Question

What is the value of x in the equation 2(x+3)=4(x-1)

Answer 1

Step 1: Distribute the 2 to numbers and variables inside parentheses

(2 × x) + (2 × 3) = 4 (x - 1)

2x + 6 = 4 (x - 1)

Step 2:  Distribute the 4 to numbers and variables inside parentheses

2x + 6 = (4 × x) + ( 4 × - 1)

2x + 6 = 4x+ (-4)

2x + 6 = 4x- 4

Step 3: Combine like terms (x's go with x's) by subtracting 2x to both sides

(2x - 2x) + 6 = (4x - 2x) - 4

6 = 2x - 4

Step 4: Combine like terms by adding 4 to both sides

6 + 4 = 2x - 4 + 4

10 = 2x

Step 5: Isolate x by dividing 2 to both sides

10 ÷ 2 = 2x ÷2

5 = x

x = 5

To check: plug 5 into all the x's of the equation

2(x+3)=4(x-1)

2(5+3)=4(5-1)

2(8) = 4(4)

16 = 16

Hope this helped!