Answer:
x = 5
Explanation:
Here we want to simplify and solve for x:
8x - 5(x - 1) = 20
8x - (5x - 5) = 20 (distribute the 5)
8x - 5x + 5 = 20 (subtract each of the terms / distribute the understood -1)
3x = 15 (combine like terms)
x = 5
check your answer by plugging x = 5 back into the equation:
8(5) - 5(5 - 1) = 20
40 - (5*4) = 20
40 - 20 = 20
20 = 20