3(x + 1) = −2(x − 1) − 4
Multiply the first bracket by 3
(3)(x)=3x
(3)(1)=3
Multiply the second bracket by -2
(-2)(x)=-2x
(-2)(-1)=2
3x+3=-2x+2-4
3x+3=-2x-2
Move -2x to the other side. Sign changes from -2x to +2x.
3x+2x+3=-2x-2x-2
3x+2x+3=-2
5x+3=-2
Move +3 to the other side. Sign changes from +3 to -3.
5x+3-3=-2-3
5x=-5
Divide by 5 for both sides
5x/5=-5/5
x=-1
Answer: b. -1