Solve the Equation: -8(2-x) = 1/2 + x

Linear Equations with Distribution and Fractions

Solve for X:

8(2x)=12+x -8(2-x)=\frac{1}{2}+x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:03 Open brackets properly, multiply by each factor
00:15 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:35 Collect terms
00:40 Multiply by the reciprocal fraction to isolate X
00:52 Simplify as much as possible
00:55 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:59 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

8(2x)=12+x -8(2-x)=\frac{1}{2}+x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 8(2x)=12+x -8(2-x) = \frac{1}{2} + x , we will follow these detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Distribute the 8-8 to both terms inside the parentheses:
    8(2x)=8×2+(8)×(x)=16+8x -8(2-x) = -8 \times 2 + (-8) \times (-x) = -16 + 8x .
  • Step 2: Rewrite the equation from our distribution:
    16+8x=12+x -16 + 8x = \frac{1}{2} + x .
  • Step 3: Move all x x -terms to one side and constants to the other. Subtract x x from both sides:
    8xx=12+16 8x - x = \frac{1}{2} + 16 .
  • Step 4: Simplify both sides:
    7x=12+16 7x = \frac{1}{2} + 16 .
  • Step 5: Combine like terms on the right side:
    Convert 16 16 to an equivalent fraction of 322\frac{32}{2} so we can sum with 12\frac{1}{2}:
    7x=12+322=332 7x = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{32}{2} = \frac{33}{2} .
  • Step 6: Solve for x x by dividing by 7:
    x=332×17=3314 x = \frac{33}{2} \times \frac{1}{7} = \frac{33}{14} .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=3314 x = \frac{33}{14} .

The choice : 3314 \frac{33}{14}

matches our solution.

3

Final Answer

3314 \frac{33}{14}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution Rule: Apply -8 to each term: -8(2-x) = -16 + 8x
  • Technique: Convert 16 to 322 \frac{32}{2} to add with 12 \frac{1}{2}
  • Check: Substitute x=3314 x = \frac{33}{14} : both sides equal 7514 \frac{75}{14}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute the negative sign
    Don't write -8(2-x) = -16 - 8x instead of -16 + 8x! The negative times negative gives positive. This error leads to 9x = 33/2 instead of 7x = 33/2. Always remember: -8 × (-x) = +8x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for x:

\( 2(4-x)=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does -8 times -x equal +8x?

+

Remember the sign rules: negative × negative = positive! So -8 × (-x) = +8x. This is one of the most important steps in distribution.

How do I add 1/2 and 16 together?

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Convert 16 to a fraction with denominator 2: 16=322 16 = \frac{32}{2} . Then add: 12+322=332 \frac{1}{2} + \frac{32}{2} = \frac{33}{2} .

Can I solve this without fractions?

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You could multiply everything by 2 first to eliminate 12 \frac{1}{2} , but it's easier to work with the fraction and convert other terms as needed.

How do I check if 33/14 is correct?

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Substitute back: 8(23314)=8×514=4014+3514=7514 -8(2-\frac{33}{14}) = -8 \times \frac{-5}{14} = \frac{40}{14} + \frac{35}{14} = \frac{75}{14} and 12+3314=714+3314+3514=7514 \frac{1}{2} + \frac{33}{14} = \frac{7}{14} + \frac{33}{14} + \frac{35}{14} = \frac{75}{14}

Why do I move x-terms to one side?

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Collecting like terms makes the equation simpler! When all x-terms are together, you can combine them into a single coefficient, making it easy to solve for x.

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