Answer:
7
Explanation:
5(x - 3) = 20
Distribute:
5x - 15 = 20
Get rid of constants to isolate variable on one side by adding 15, since the inverse operation of subtraction is addition:
5x - 15 = 20
+15 +15
5x = 35
Divide both sides by 5 to get variable alone since inverse operation of multiplication is division:
5x = 35
/5 /5
x = 7
Double check:
5(x - 3) = 20
Substitute:
5(7 - 3) = 20
Solve in parenthesis first:
5(4) = 20
20 = 20
x = 7 is correct.