b) Given:
2000(x - 24) + 5000 = 18000
Let's find the equivalent equation.
Use distributive property to expand the parenthesis:
2000x - 2000(24) + 5000 = 18000
2000x - 48000 + 5000 = 18000
Combine like terms:
2000x - 43000 = 18000
Divide through by 1000:
Therefore the equivalent equation is: