Answer:
One solution
Explanation:
Well, let's find out by solving the equation for x and seeing how many possible values there are. Our answer could be no solution, one solution, or infinite solutions. So, let's get started by writing out our equation:
3(7x + 4 ) - 2x + 8 = 5x + 12
First, we'll distribute the 3 onto the values on the left:
3(7x) + 3(4) - 2x + 8 = 5x + 12
21x + 12 - 2x + 8 = 5x + 12
Now, we can combine like terms. They are underlined and boldfaced below:
21x + 12 - 2x + 8 = 5x + 12
21x - 2x + 12 + 8 = 5x + 12
19x + 20 = 5x + 12
Next, let's take away 5x from both sides:
19x - 5x + 20 = 5x - 5x + 12
14x + 20 = 12
Finally, we'll subtract 20 from both sides:
14x + 20 - 20 = 12 - 20
14x = -8
Now, all we have to do is divide both sides by 14.
14x/4 = -8/14
x = -4/7
It looks like there is only one solution for x: -4/7. Hopefully that's helpful!