3(x+1) = 2(x-8) + 3. First, remove the parentheses by distributing (multiplying out the numbers):
3x + 3 = 2x - 16 + 3.
Then, combine any like terms on the same side of the equals sign;
3x + 3 = 2x -13.
Then, move the like terms on opposite sides of the equals sign to the same side of the equals sign (don't forget to change the signs)..
3x -2x = -13 - 3.
Then combine the like terms on the same side of the equals sign again.. x = -16 .