The correct answer is: X = -9
1. Combine like terms (5x - 8x
-3x + 9 = -6(x + 3)
2. Expand -6(x + 3)
Use distributive property. a(b + c) = ab + ac
A = (-6), B = X, C = 3
= -6x + (-6) · 3
Apply the minus and/or plus rules.
+ (-a) = -a
= -6x - 6 · 3
Multiply 6 and 3.
6 · 3 = 18.
-3x + 9 = -6 = 18
3. Subtract from both sides.
- -3x + 9(-9) = -6 = 18 (-9)
-3x = -6x - 9
4. Simplify.
-3x = -6x - 27
5. Add 6x to both sides.
3x = -27
6. Divide both sides by 3.
3x ÷ 3 = -27 ÷ 3
-27 ÷ 3 = -9
Answer: X = (-9)