How do you solve #7( x - 1) = 42#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-05-31T17:57:48

See a solution process below:

First, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(7)# to eliminate the need for parenthesis while keeping the equation balanced:

#(7(x - 1))/color(red)(7) = 45/color(red)(7)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(7)))(x - 1))/cancel(color(red)(7)) = 45/7#

#x - 1 = 45/7#

Now, add #color(red)(1)# to each side of the equation to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#x - 1 + color(red)(1) = 45/7 + color(red)(1)#

#x - 0 = 45/7 + (7/7 xx color(red)(1))#

#x= 45/7 + 7/7#

#x= 52/7#