Question

Solve for x:
3x – 2 (5 – x) = 30

Answer 1

x = 8

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDAS

1. Brackets
2. Parenthesis
3. Exponents
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Addition
7. Subtraction

• Left to Right

Equality Properties

Explanation:

Step 1: Define Equation

3x - 2(5 - x) = 30

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Distribute -2: 3x - 10 + 2x = 30
2. Combine like terms: 5x - 10 = 30
3. Isolate x term: 5x = 40
4. Isolate x: x = 8

Step 3: Check

Plug in x into the original equation to verify it's a solution.

1. Substitute in x: 3(8) - 2(5 - 8) = 30
2. Multiply: 24 - 2(5 - 8) = 30
3. Subtract: 24 - 2(-3) = 30
4. Multiply: 24 + 6 = 30
5. Add: 30 = 30

Here we see that 30 does indeed equal 30.

∴ x = 8 is the solution to the equation.