How do you solve -38= 2( x - 4) - 7x?

Mar 15, 2018

x=6

Explanation:

First, to get rid of the parentheses, you would distribute the 2. Then you would get -38 = 2x - 8 - 7x. By combining like terms, you would simplify that to -38 = -8 -5x. To get the term with a variable on one side, you would add 8 to both sides, leaving you with -30 = -5x. Dividing by -5 on both sides would leave you with x=6.

Mar 15, 2018

$x = 6$

Explanation:

$\text{distribute bracket on right side}$

$- 38 = 2 x - 8 - 7 x$

$\Rightarrow - 38 = - 5 x - 8$

$\text{add 8 to both sides}$

$- 38 + 8 = - 5 x \cancel{- 8} \cancel{+ 8}$

$\Rightarrow - 5 x = - 30 \leftarrow \textcolor{b l u e}{\text{reverse equation}}$

$\text{divide both sides by } - 5$

$\frac{\cancel{- 5} x}{\cancel{- 5}} = \frac{- 30}{- 5}$

$\Rightarrow x = 6$

$\textcolor{b l u e}{\text{As a check}}$

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

$\text{right "=2(6-4)-(7xx6)=4-42=-38=" left}$

$\Rightarrow x = 6 \text{ is the solution}$