Question

How do you solve `- 4( 2x - 1) = - 6( x + 2) - 2`?

Answer 1

`x=9`

Explanation:

We need to distribute the `-4` to the parenthesis on the left side, and the `-6` to the right side parenthesis. This will leave us with

`-8x+4=-6x-12-2`

We can simplify the right side to get

`-8x+4=-6x-14`

I want my variables on the left and the constants on the right. So let's start by subtracting `4` from both sides.

`-8x=-6x-18`

Let's add `6x` to both sides to get

`-2x=-18`

Dividing both sides by `-2`, we get

`x=9`

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

`x=9`

Explanation:

`"distribute brackets on both sides of the equation"`

`-8x+4=-6x-12-2`

`"add "6x" to both sides"`

`-8x+6x+4=-14`

`"subtract 4 from both sides"`

`-2x=-14-4=-18`

`"divide both sides by "-2`

`(cancel(-2) x)/cancel(-2)=(-18)/(-2)rArrx=9`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value into the equation and if both sides are equal then it is the solution.

`"left "=-4(18-1)=-4xx17=-68`

`"right "=-6(9+2)-2=-66-2=-68`

`x=9" is the solution"`