Question

Solve for x: 3(x + 1) = -2 (x-1) - 4

Answer 1

Answer: x = -1

Remove parentheses

Calculate

Move the terms

collect like terms, calculate.

divide both sides.

Answer 2

Answer: x = -1

3(x + 1) = -2(x-1) - 4 (Expand by distributing)

3x + 3 = -2x + 2 - 4 (Rearrange the terms so that the terms with a variable of x are on one side)

3x + 2x = 2 - 4 - 3 (Collect like terms)

5x = -5 (Divide both sides by 5 to isolate for x)

x = -1

∴ x = -1.