Question

What is the value of X? 3 (x - 2) + 5x = 18

Answer 1

3x - 6 (distribute the 3 to each item in ()
3x - 6 + 5x = 18
8x - 6 = 18 combine like terms
     +6    =6
8x = 24
__    __
8      8
x = 3

Answer 2

Multiply everything in the parenthesis by 3.

3x - 6 + 5x = 18

Combine like terms.

8x - 6 = 18

Add 6 to both sides.

8x = 24

Divide both sides by 8.

x = 3

Hope this helps!