Question

Which of the following is the solution set to the problem below?

(x - 3) - 2(x + 6) = -5

1. {-10}
2. {-4}
3. {8}

Answer 1

Solve for x by simplifying both sides of the equation, then isolating the variable.
x = -10

Answer 2

Answer: 1. {-10}

Explanation:

To find the solution you have to isolate the variable x in the equation.

First, using the distributive property, you do the multiplication to get rid of the parentheses:

`x-3-2(x+6)=-5\\x-3-2x-12=-5`

Then, you combine like terms across the equal sign, changing the sign as you move them from one side to the other, and finally you solve:

`x-2x=-5+3+12\\-x=10\\x=-10`