Question

How do you solve `3( 2x + 9) = 39`?

Answer 1

Reduce, reduce, reduce and get x=2

Explanation:

First thing is first: Divide both sides by 3 to eliminate the coefficient outside of the parentheses:

`3/3(2x+9)=39/3 rArr 2x+9=13`

Next, subtract 9 from both sides to get `2x` by itself:

`2x cancel(+9-9) = 13-9 rArr 2x=4`

Finally, divide both sides by 2 to get the solution for x:

`2x/2=4/2 rArr color(red)(x=2)`

Answer 2

x = 2

Explanation:

Open the brackets:

`3(2x+9)=39`
`6x+27=39`

Subtract 27 from 39 (to make x subject):

`39-27=12`
`6x=12`

Divide both sides by 6 to get `x` by itself:

`6x-:6=x`
`12-:6=2`

`x=2`