Question

-3(x + 1) - 8 = -17

Explanation:

Step1: Add 8 to both sides

To isolate the term with \(x\), we first add 8 to both sides of the equation \(-3(x + 1)-8=-17\). This gives us \(-3(x + 1)-8 + 8=-17 + 8\), which simplifies to \(-3(x + 1)=-9\).

Step2: Divide both sides by -3

Next, we divide both sides of the equation \(-3(x + 1)=-9\) by -3. So, \(\frac{-3(x + 1)}{-3}=\frac{-9}{-3}\), which simplifies to \(x + 1 = 3\).

Step3: Subtract 1 from both sides

Finally, we subtract 1 from both sides of the equation \(x + 1 = 3\). This gives us \(x+1 - 1=3 - 1\), so \(x = 2\).

Answer:

\(x = 2\)