Solve for X in 8(x-2) = -4(x+3): Linear Equation with Brackets

Question

Solve for x:

8(x2)=4(x+3) 8(x-2)=-4(x+3)

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find X
00:05 Open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
00:23 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:40 Combine like terms
00:45 Isolate X
00:55 Factor 12 into 4 and 3
01:00 Simplify what is possible
01:04 This is the solution to the problem

Step-by-Step Solution

To open parentheses we will use the formula:

a(x+b)=ax+ab a(x+b)=ax+ab

(8×x)+(8×2)=(4×x)+(4×3) (8\times x)+(8\times-2)=(-4\times x)+(-4\times3)

We multiply accordingly

8x16=4x12 8x-16=-4x-12

In the left section we enter the elements with the X and in the right section those without the X, remember to change the plus and minus signs as appropriate when transferring:

8x+4x=12+16 8x+4x=-12+16

We solve accordingly

12x=4 12x=4

We divide both sections by 12

12x12=412 \frac{12x}{12}=\frac{4}{12}

We reduce and obtainx=412=13 x=\frac{4}{12}=\frac{1}{3}

Answer

13 \frac{1}{3}