How do you solve #3( x - 4) - 2( x - 8) = 1#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-02-22T03:49:36

See the entire solution process below:

First, expand each term within parenthesis:

#color(red)(3)(x - 4) - color(blue)(2)(x - 8) = 1#

#(color(red)(3) xx x) - (color(red)(3) xx 4) - (color(blue)(2) xx x) + (color(blue)(2) xx 8) = 1#

#3x - 12 - 2x + 16 = 1#

Next, group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#3x - 2x - 12 + 16 = 1#

#(3 - 2)x + 4 = 1#

#1x + 4 = 1#

#x + 4 = 1#

Now, subtract #color(red)(4)# from each side of the equation to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#x + 4 - color(red)(4) = 1 - color(red)(4)#

#x + 0 = -3#

#x = -3#