Question

Describe two ways in which you can solve:
`-(1)/(2) (5x-9)=17`

Answer 1

Method 1 is distribution of the -1/2 to 5x and -9. Method 2 is simplification by multiplying -1/2 to both sides of the equation.

Explanation:

Method 1: Method 2:

`-(1)/(2) (5x-9)=17`
`-(1)/(2) (5x-9)=17`

`-(1)/(2)`(5x-9)=17
`-(1)/(2)`(5x-9)=17

`-(1)/(2)`*5x-(
`-(1)/(2)`*9)=17
`-(1)/(2)`*(-2)(5x-9)=17*(-2)

`-(5)/(2)`x+(
`(1)/(2)`*9)=17 5x-9=-34

`-(5)/(2)`x+9/2=17 5x-9+9=-34+9

(
`-(5)/(2)`x+9/2=17)*2 5x=-25

-5x+9=34 5x/5=-25/5

-5x+9-9=34-9 x=-5

-5x=25

-5x/(-5)=25/(-5)

x=-5