Solve for X: Linear Equation 3-4(x-2)=6x+4(3-x)

Linear Equations with Distributive Property

Solve for X:

34(x2)=6x+4(3x) 3-4(x-2)=6x+4(3-x)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:06 Carefully open brackets properly, multiply by each factor
00:23 Solve each multiplication separately
00:28 Negative times negative always equals positive
00:38 Positive times negative always equals negative
00:47 Collect like terms
01:00 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:17 Collect like terms
01:28 Isolate X
01:42 Simplify as much as possible
01:47 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

34(x2)=6x+4(3x) 3-4(x-2)=6x+4(3-x)

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the equation 34(x2)=6x+4(3x) 3-4(x-2)=6x+4(3-x) .

First, apply the distributive property on both sides:

  • For the left side: 34(x2) 3 - 4(x - 2) becomes 34x+8 3 - 4x + 8 , which simplifies to 114x 11 - 4x .
  • For the right side: 6x+4(3x) 6x + 4(3 - x) becomes 6x+124x 6x + 12 - 4x , which simplifies to 2x+12 2x + 12 .

Now the equation is:

114x=2x+12 11 - 4x = 2x + 12

Combine like terms to isolate x x . First, move all terms containing x x to one side and constant terms to the other side:

  • Add 4x 4x to both sides: 11=6x+12 11 = 6x + 12 .
  • Subtract 12 from both sides: 1112=6x 11 - 12 = 6x , which simplifies to 1=6x -1 = 6x .

Finally, solve for x x by dividing both sides by 6:

x=16 x = -\frac{1}{6} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=16 x = -\frac{1}{6} , which corresponds to choice 4.

3

Final Answer

16 -\frac{1}{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distributive Property: Apply to parentheses before combining like terms
  • Technique: 4(x2)=4x+8 -4(x-2) = -4x + 8 and 4(3x)=124x 4(3-x) = 12 - 4x
  • Check: Substitute x=16 x = -\frac{1}{6} into original equation: both sides equal 11 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute negative signs properly
    Don't just distribute the 4 in -4(x-2) and ignore the negative = wrong signs throughout! This creates incorrect terms like -4x - 8 instead of -4x + 8. Always distribute both the coefficient AND its sign to every term inside parentheses.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( x - 3 + 5 = 8 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to distribute first instead of just moving terms around?

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You must eliminate parentheses first using the distributive property! You can't move terms that are still inside parentheses. Think of parentheses as containers - you need to unpack them before rearranging.

How do I keep track of positive and negative signs when distributing?

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Write out each step carefully! For 4(x2) -4(x-2) , think: negative 4 times x equals negative 4x, and negative 4 times negative 2 equals positive 8. Take your time with signs!

What's the easiest way to combine like terms after distributing?

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Group similar terms together first. Circle all the x-terms on one side and all the constants on the other. This helps you see what to combine: 114x=2x+12 11 - 4x = 2x + 12 becomes clearer.

Why did I get a negative fraction as my answer?

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Negative fractions are completely normal solutions! In this problem, when we solve 1=6x -1 = 6x , dividing gives us x=16 x = -\frac{1}{6} . Always check your work by substituting back.

Is there a faster way to solve this type of equation?

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Accuracy is more important than speed! Follow the steps: distribute, combine like terms, isolate x. Once you master this process, you'll naturally get faster while avoiding mistakes.

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