Question

solving equations
solve for x. use the sketchpad to show your work.
2(4x - 1) = 3x + 18
x =
submit

Explanation:

Step1: Expand the left side

Using the distributive property \(a(b - c)=ab - ac\), we expand \(2(4x - 1)\) to get \(8x-2\). So the equation becomes \(8x - 2=3x + 18\).

Step2: Subtract \(3x\) from both sides

Subtract \(3x\) from each side to get \(8x-3x - 2=3x-3x + 18\), which simplifies to \(5x - 2=18\).

Step3: Add 2 to both sides

Add 2 to each side: \(5x - 2+2=18 + 2\), so \(5x=20\).

Step4: Divide by 5

Divide both sides by 5: \(\frac{5x}{5}=\frac{20}{5}\), which gives \(x = 4\).

Answer:

\(x = 4\)