Question

Solve the equation:

`(21 - 4x)/(9)` +
`(8x + 15)/(3)` = 2

Answer 1

`x = -(12)/(5)`

Explanation:

To solve the equation, isolate x. Whatever you do to isolate x one on side, you must do to the other.

1) Multiply both sides by 9 to get rid of the fractions.

`(21-4x)/(9) +(8x+15)/(3) = 2 \\21-4x + 3(8x + 15) =18 \\`

2) Distribute the 3 to 8x and 15. Then, combine like terms.

`21-4x + 24x + 45 = 18 \\66 + 20x = 18`

3) Move the 66 to the other side, subtracting 18 by 66, then divide each side by 20 to finally isolate x.

`20x = -48\\x = -(48)/(20) \\x =- (12)/(5)`

Thus,
`x = -(12)/(5)`.