Solve the Linear Equation: Unravel 3x + 5(x + 4) = 0

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

• Step 1: Apply the distributive property to the equation.
• Step 2: Combine like terms.
• Step 3: Solve for $x$.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Distribute the number 5 across the expression inside the parentheses:
$3x + 5(x + 4) = 0$ becomes $3x + 5x + 20 = 0$.

Step 2: Combine the like terms:
Combine $3x$ and $5x$ to get $8x$.
Thus, the equation becomes $8x + 20 = 0$.

Step 3: Solve for $x$:
Subtract 20 from both sides: $8x = -20$.
Finally, divide both sides by 8: $x = \frac{-20}{8}$.

Simplify the fraction: $x = -2.5$.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is $x = -2.5$.