Question

5 - 4(2 - x) = 17

solve for x

Answer 1

x = 5

Explanation:

1) Subtract 5 from both sides.

-4(2-x)=17-5

2) Simplify 17 - 5 to 12.

-4(2-x)=12

3) Divide both sides by -4.

2-x=-12/4

4) Simplify 12/4 to 3.

2-x=-3

5) Subtract 2 from both sides.

-x=-3-2

6) Simplify - 3 - 2 to -5.

-x=-5

7) Multiply both sides by -1.

x = 5

Check the answer:

5-4(2-x)=17

1) Let x=5.

5-4*(2-5)=17

2) Simplify 2-5 to 3.

5-4*-3=17

3) Simplify 4 * -3 to -12.

5-(-12)=17

4) Remove parentheses.

5+12=17

5) Simplify 5 + 12 to 17.

17 = 17

All done !

Answer 2

x = 5

Explanation:

I just solved the equation!

5 - 4(2-x) = 17

-4(2-x) = 12 (subtract by 5 on both sides)

2 - x = -3 (divide by 4 on both sides)

-x = -5 (subtract by 2 on both sides)

x = 5 (divide by -1 on both sides (two negatives cancel out!))

:)