First you would distribute the -12 to x and 5. You would get -12x-60=144. Now solve for x. Add 60 on both sides. (Do the inverse) You get -12x=204 Then divide by -12 on both sides. Answer: x=-17
First, you distribute -12 to the (x+5) leaving you with the equation 144 = -12x-60. Then you cancel out the 60 by adding 60 to both sides of the equation. After that your equation will be 204 = -12x. Last you divide both sides by -12 to cancel out the 12 and get your answer (x = -17).
