How do you solve for x in #2(x+5)= -2#?

1 Answer
Mar 6, 2018

#x = -6#

Explanation:

#2 ( x + 5 ) = -2#

divide by #2# on both sides

#x + 5 = -2/2#

simplify

#x + 5 = -1#

subtract #5# on both sides

#x cancel(+5) cancel(-5) = -1 - 5#

#x = -6#

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To check our work, let's plug in #-6# for #x# and see if it still equals #-2#:

#2 ( -6 + 5) = -2#

#2 ( -1 ) = -2#

# 2 xx -1 = -2#

#-2 = -2# We were right!