How do you solve #3(x+3)-8(x-2)=5(x-11)-2#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-09T13:45:29

#x = 8.2#

Step 1) Expand all of the terms within parenthesis:

#3x + 9 - 8x + 16 = 5x - 55 - 2#

Step 2) Combine likes terms on each side of the equation:

#3x - 8x + 9 + 16 = 5x - 57#

#-5x + 25 = 5x - 57#

Step 3) Isolate and combine like terms on separate sides of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

#-5x + 5x + 25 + 57 = 5x + 5x - 57 + 57#

#0 + 82 = 10x - 0#

#82 = 10x#

#10x = 82#

Step 4) Solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(10x)/10 = 82/10#

#(cancel(10)x)/cancel(10) = 8.2#

#x = 8.2#