Question

Solve for x.

3(x + 5) - 2(x + 2) = 20

Answer 1

Well, we'll use the distributive property whenever x by itself is being added/subtracted to another number and a number is outside the parentheses :P.

3(x + 5) ------> 3 times x + 3 times 5 -----> 3x + 15.

2(x + 2) ------> 2 times x + 2 times 2 -----> 2x + 2

Now once you get all the variables on the left side of the equation and the positive numbers on the right side of the equation, x = 9. To check, just type this problem into an algebraic calculator and you'll get the same results! c:

Answer 2

[tex] 3(x + 5) - 2(x + 2) = 20 \\
3x + 15 - 2x - 4 = 20\\
5x + 11 = 20\\
5x = 9\\
x = 1\frac{4}{5} [tex]