Question

What is the solution to the equation –3.5(x + 12) = –2x + 18?

Answer 1

The answer I arrived at was x = -4.364

Explanation:

3.5(x + 12) = -2x + 18

=> multiply 3.5 by everything in parenthesis

3.5x + 42 = -2x + 18

=> subtract 18 from both sides

3.5x + 24 = -2x

=> subtract 3.5x from both sides

24 = -5.5x

=> divide both sides by -5.5

-4.364 = x

Answer 2

x = -4.36364

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

3.5(x + 12) = -2x + 18

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Distribute 3.5: 3.5x + 42 = -2x + 18
2. Add 2x on both sides: 5.5x + 42 = 18
3. Isolate x term: 5.5x = -24
4. Isolate x: x = -4.36364