Question

Solve for x: 3(x + 1) = −2(x − 1) − 4.

Answer 1

3(x+1)=-2(x-1)-4
3x+3=-2x+2-4
3=-5x+2-4
7=-5x+2
5=-5x
-1=x

Answer 2

x = -1

Explanation:

3(x+1) = -2(x-1) - 4 (Use the distributive property on both sides)

3x + 3 = -2x + 2 - 4 (collect like terms on the right side)

3x + 3 = -2x - 2 ( add 2x on both sides)

5x + 3 = -2 ( subtract 3 on both sides)

5x = - 5 (divide by 5 on both sides)

x = -1