Question

16 - 2(3x + 4 ) = 38

Answer 1

-5

Explanation:

16 - 2(3x + 4) = 38

16 - 2 · 3x - 2 · 4 = 38

16 - 6x - 8 = 38

-6x + 16 - 8 = 38

-6x + 8 = 38

-6x = 38 - 8

-6x = 30

x = 30 ÷ (-6)

x = -5

We can check the solution:

left side: 16 - 2(3x + 4) = 16 - 2(3 · (-5) + 4) = 16 - 2(-15 + 4) =

= 16 - 2 · (-11) = 16 + 22 = 38

right side: 38

left side = right side, so the solution is correct

Answer 2

x= - 5

Explanation:

First distributive property -2 multiply the brakcets.

16(-6x-8)=38

Theb subtract 16 from 16 and 38

-6x-8=22

Then add 8 to -8 and 22

-6x=30

Divide -6 on both sides

x = - 5