Question

Solve the following equation for x. Show each step.
5x + 2 = 3x + 4(2x - 1)

Answer 1

ANSWER: x = 1

1. Distribute the 4 into (2x-1). 5x + 2 = 3x + 8x - 4.
2. Add the like terms. 5x + 2 = 11x - 4.
3. Subtract 5x on both sides. 2 = 6x - 4.
4. Add 4 on both sides. 6 = 6x
5. Divide 6 on both sides. x = 1

Answer 2

`x=1`

Explanation:

Start with:

`5x+2=3x+4(2x-1)`

Distribute the
`4` into
`(2x-1)`:

`5x+2=3x+8x-4`

Combine like terms:

`5x+2=11x-4`

Add
`4` to both sides of the equation:

`5x+6=11x`

Subtract
`5x` from both sides of the equation:

`6=6x`

Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of
`x`, which is
`6`:

`1=x`

or

`x=1`