Question

How do you solve `20=14+3(x+8)`?

Answer 1

`x=-6`

Explanation:

`"distribute parenthesis on the right side of the equation"`

`20=14+3x+24`

`rArr20=38+3x`

`"subtract 38 from both sides"`

`20-38=cancel(38)cancel(-38)+3x`

`rArr-18=3x`

`"divide both sides by 3"`

`(-18)/3=(cancel(3) x)/cancel(3)`

`rArrx=-6`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value into the right side of the equation and if equal to the left side then it is the solution.

`14+3(2)=14+6=20="left side"`

`rArrx=-6" is the solution"`

Answer 2

`x=-6`

Explanation:

Distribute the `3`

`20=14 + 3x+24`

`20=38 +3x`

Subtract `38` from both sides

`20-38 = 3x`

`-18 = 3x`

Divide both sides by `3` to isolate `x`

`-6 = x`