Question

-3 - 4x - 2(1 + 3x) = 1 - 2x + 2

Answer 1

x = -1

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDAS

1. Brackets
2. Parenthesis
3. Exponents
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Addition
7. Subtraction

• Left to Right

Equality Properties

• Multiplication Property of Equality
• Division Property of Equality
• Addition Property of Equality
• Subtraction Property of Equality

Distributive Property

Algebra I

• Terms/Coefficients
• Factoring

Explanation:

Step 1: Define

-3 - 4x - 2(1 + 3x) = 1 - 2x + 2

Step 2: Solve for x

1. [Addition] Combine like terms: -3 - 4x - 2(1 + 3x) = -2x + 3
2. [Addition Property of Equality] Add 3 on both sides: -4x - 2(1 + 3x) = -2x + 6
3. [Addition Property of Equality] Add 4x on both sides: -2(1 + 3x) = 2x + 6
4. Factor GCF: -2(1 + 3x) = 2(x + 3)
5. [Division Property of Equality] Divide -2 on both sides: 1 + 3x = -(x + 3)
6. [Distributive Property] Distribute negative: 1 + 3x = -x - 3
7. [Addition Property of Equality] Add x on both sides: 1 + 4x = -3
8. [Subtraction Property of Equality] Subtract 1 on both sides: 4x = -4
9. [Division Property of Equality] Divide 4 on both sides: x = -1