Solve for X in 7-8(x+4)=-3x: Linear Equation Solution

Linear Equations with Distribution and Collection

Solve for X:

78(x+4)=3x 7-8(x+4)=-3x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Make sure to open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
00:26 Arrange the equation so that X (the unknown) is on one side
00:46 Group like terms
00:55 Isolate X
01:03 Simplify what we can
01:05 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

78(x+4)=3x 7-8(x+4)=-3x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 78(x+4)=3x 7 - 8(x + 4) = -3x , we'll go through these steps:

  • Step 1: Distribute 8-8 across the terms inside the parentheses:
  • 78x84=3x 7 - 8 \cdot x - 8 \cdot 4 = -3x
    This simplifies to 78x32=3x 7 - 8x - 32 = -3x .

  • Step 2: Simplify both sides by combining like terms:
  • 732=25 7 - 32 = -25 , so the equation becomes:
    8x25=3x -8x - 25 = -3x .

  • Step 3: Isolate the variable x x by moving all terms involving x x to one side:
  • To move 8x-8x to the right side, add 8x 8x to both sides:
    25=3x+8x -25 = -3x + 8x
    This simplifies to:
    25=5x -25 = 5x .

  • Step 4: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 5:
  • x=255 x = \frac{-25}{5} , which gives us:
    x=5 x = -5 .

    Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=5 x = -5 .

The correct choice matches this solution as option 5 \boldsymbol{-5} .

3

Final Answer

5 -5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution: Apply distributive property before combining like terms
  • Technique: Move variables to one side: -8x + 8x = 5x
  • Check: Substitute x = -5 back into original equation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute the negative sign
    Don't just distribute 8 without the negative sign = wrong coefficients! This changes -8(x+4) to 8x+32 instead of -8x-32. Always distribute the entire coefficient including its sign.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( x - 3 + 5 = 8 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I distribute first instead of moving terms around?

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Distribution must come first because you can't work with expressions in parentheses. You need to expand 8(x+4) -8(x+4) to 8x32 -8x - 32 before combining like terms.

How do I know which side to move the x terms to?

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It doesn't matter! Choose the side that gives you a positive coefficient for x. In this problem, moving to the right gives 5x 5x instead of 5x -5x .

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

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Take it one step at a time! Write out each step clearly: 8(x+4)=8x+(8)(4)=8x32 -8(x+4) = -8x + (-8)(4) = -8x - 32 . Double-check your signs at each step.

Can I check my answer a different way?

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Yes! Substitute x=5 x = -5 into the original equation: 78(5+4)=78(1)=7+8=15 7 - 8(-5+4) = 7 - 8(-1) = 7 + 8 = 15 and 3(5)=15 -3(-5) = 15 . Both sides equal 15! ✓

Why is my answer negative when I expected positive?

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Linear equations can have any real number as solutions, including negatives! The key is following the algebra correctly, not predicting the sign beforehand.

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