2(x + 4) - 10 = 12
Because - 10 is outside of the parentheses and away from the coefficient, it will be ignored for right now.
To apply the distributive property, multiply the coefficient (2) by each term in the parentheses (x) and (4)
2x + 8 - 10 = 12 is the simplified equation after applying the distributive property.
Now, we can simplify.
2x - 2 = 12
Add 2 to both sides.
2x = 14
Divide both sides by 2.
x = 7