Final answer:
To solve an equation like 2x + 3(x - 4) = 13, apply the distributive property, combine like terms to form 5x - 12 = 13, add 12 to both sides to obtain 5x = 25, then divide by 5 to find that x = 5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve an equation involving the distributive property with variables on both sides, you must first apply the distributive property, combine like terms, and then isolate the variable. Let's take Option 1 and solve it step by step.
- Apply the distributive property: 2x + 3(x - 4) = 13 becomes 2x + 3x - 12 = 13.
- Combine like terms: 5x - 12 = 13.
- Isolate the variable: Add 12 to both sides to get 5x = 25, then divide by 5 to get x = 5.
The solution to the equation 2x + 3(x - 4) = 13 is x = 5.