Question

Solve for x: 3(x + 1) = −2(x − 1) + 6.

Answer 1

 3( x + 1 ) = - 2 ( x - 1 ) + 6 

1) Clear the parentheses by distributing the 3 and the - 2 
When you have done that, this is what you will get: 
3x + 3 = - 2x + 2 + 6 

2) Combine the like terms on the right 
You will get this: 
3x + 3 = - 2x + 8 

3) Add 2x to both sides to collect all the x terms together on the same side 
When you finish doing that, you will have 
5x + 3 = 8 

4) Subtract 3 from both sides to isolate the 5x term alone on one side 
You will get 
5x = 5 

5) Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x 
x = 1 <-- answer

Answer 2

Step 1: 3(x + 1) = −2(x − 1) + 6
Step 2: 3x + 3 = -2x + 2 + 6
Step 3: 5x = 2 + 6 - 3
Step 4: 5x = 5
Step 5: x = 1
Hope this helps (: