Final answer:
To solve the equation -2 + 7(2 + 2) = 5(2x - 2) + 4, the steps involve simplifying both sides, solving for x, and finally checking that the answer is reasonable. The solution is x = 3.2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation -2 + 7(2 + 2) = 5(2x - 2) + 4, let's first simplify both sides:
- On the left side, calculate the value inside the parentheses: 2 + 2 = 4.
- Multiply this by 7 to get 7 * 4 = 28.
- Then subtract 2 to get 28 - 2 = 26.
Now, the equation looks like 26 = 5(2x - 2) + 4. Here's how to simplify the right side:
- Expand the parenthesis: 5(2x - 2) becomes 10x - 10.
- Add the 4 to get 10x - 10 + 4.
- Simplify the constant terms: -10 + 4 = -6.
Now our equation is 26 = 10x - 6. To solve for x, follow these steps:
- Add 6 to both sides to get 26 + 6 = 10x, which simplifies to 32 = 10x.
- Divide both sides by 10 to get x = 32/10.
- Simplify to find x = 3.2.
So the solution to the equation is x = 3.2.
Remember to check the answer making sure it is reasonable within the context of the problem.