7(x - 2) = 5(x + 4)
Multiply the first bracket by 7
(7)(x)=7x
(7)(-2)=-14
Multiply the second bracket by 5
(5)(x)=5x
(5)(4)=20
7x-14=5x+20
Move 5x to the other side. Sign changes from -5x to +5x.
7x-5x-14=5x-5x+20
7x-5x-14=20
2x-14=20
2x-14+14=20+14
2x=34
Divide both sides by 2
2x/2=34/2
Answer: x=17