Question

Solve for x:
5x - (x + 4) + 1 = 3 - 2(x + 6)

Answer 1

x = -1

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Alg

• Order of Operations: BPEMDAS
• Equality Properties

Explanation:

Step 1: Define equation

5x - (x + 4) + 1 = 3 - 2(x + 6)

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Distribute: 5x - x - 4 + 1 = 3 - 2x - 12
2. Combine like terms: 4x - 3 = -2x - 9
3. Add 2x on both sides: 6x - 3 = -9
4. Add 3 to both sides: 6x = -6
5. Divide both sides by 6: x = -1

Step 3: Check

Plug in x to verify it's a solution.

1. Substitute: 5(-1) - (-1 + 4) + 1 = 3 - 2(-1 + 6)
2. Parenthesis (Add): 5(-1) - 3 + 1 = 3 - 2(5)
3. Multiply: -5 - 3 + 1 = 3 - 10
4. Subtract: -8 + 1 = -7
5. Add: -7 = -7