Solve for X: Simplify and Balance the Equation -8x + 5(3-x) = 6 - 4x + 3(x+1)

Linear Equations with Distributive Property

Calculate X:

8x+5(3x)=64x+3(x+1) -8x+5(3-x)=6-4x+3(x+1)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:04 Open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
00:24 Collect like terms
00:55 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:10 Collect like terms
01:19 Isolate X
01:30 Factor 12 into 2 and 6
01:37 Simplify as much as possible
01:40 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

Calculate X:

8x+5(3x)=64x+3(x+1) -8x+5(3-x)=6-4x+3(x+1)

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the distributive property to both sides.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms on each side.
  • Step 3: Move all terms involving x x to one side and constants to the other.
  • Step 4: Simplify to solve for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Distribute on the left: 5(3x)=155x 5(3-x) = 15 - 5x . So, the left side becomes 8x+155x -8x + 15 - 5x .
Distribute on the right: 3(x+1)=3x+3 3(x+1) = 3x + 3 . So, the right side becomes 64x+3x+3 6 - 4x + 3x + 3 .

Step 2: Combine the like terms:
Left side: 8x5x+15=13x+15 -8x - 5x + 15 = -13x + 15 .
Right side: 6+3+3x4x=9x 6 + 3 + 3x - 4x = 9 - x .

Step 3: Equating both sides, we have:
13x+15=9x -13x + 15 = 9 - x .

Move all x x -terms to one side and constant terms to the other:
Add 13x 13x to both sides:
15=9+12x 15 = 9 + 12x .

Step 4: Isolate x x by subtracting 9 from both sides:
6=12x 6 = 12x .
Divide both sides by 12:
x=612=12 x = \frac{6}{12} = \frac{1}{2} .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=12 x = \frac{1}{2} , which corresponds to choice 2.

3

Final Answer

12 \frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution: Apply distributive property to both sides first
  • Technique: Combine like terms: -8x - 5x = -13x on left
  • Check: Substitute x=12 x = \frac{1}{2} back into original equation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute to all terms inside parentheses
    Don't just multiply 5 by 3 and leave -x alone = incomplete distribution! This gives wrong coefficients and wrong answers. Always distribute the outside number to every term inside the parentheses.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( -16+a=-17 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Do I have to distribute first, or can I solve another way?

+

You must distribute first when you have parentheses! This eliminates the grouping symbols so you can combine like terms properly.

How do I know which terms are like terms?

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Like terms have the same variable with the same power. So -8x and -5x are like terms, but -8x and 15 are not because one has x and the other doesn't.

Why did we get a fraction as the answer?

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Fractional answers are completely normal in algebra! When you divide 6 by 12, you get 12 \frac{1}{2} , which simplifies perfectly.

What if I move terms to the wrong side?

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It doesn't matter which side you choose! You can move all x-terms to the left or right - just be consistent and remember to change signs when crossing the equals sign.

How can I check if my answer is correct?

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Substitute x=12 x = \frac{1}{2} into the original equation. If both sides equal the same number, you're right!

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