First, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to eliminate the fraction while keeping the equation balanced:
#color(red)(4) xx (2(x + 5))/4 = color(red)(4)(5x - 2)#
#cancel(color(red)(4)) xx (2(x + 5))/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4))) = 20x - 8#
#2(x + 5) = 20x - 8#
Next, expand the terms in parenthesis on the left side of the equation:
#2x + 10 = 20x - 8#
Then, subtract #color(red)(2x)# and add #color(blue)(8)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term:
#2x + 10 - color(red)(2x) + color(blue)(8) = 20x - 8 - color(red)(2x) + color(blue)(8)#
#2x - color(red)(2x) + 10 + color(blue)(8) = 20x - color(red)(2x) - 8 + color(blue)(8)#
#0 + 18 = 18x - 0#
#18 = 18x#
Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(18)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:
#18/color(red)(18) = (18x)/color(red)(18)#
#1 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(18)))x)/cancel(color(red)(18))#
#1 = x#
#x = 1#