Question

Solve for x: 2(8x - 1) + 7(x + 5) = -59

Answer 1

2(8x - 1) + 7(x + 5) = -59    Distribute/multiply 2 into (8x - 1), and multiply 7 into (x + 5)

16x - 2 + 7x + 35 = -59   Combine like terms

23x + 33 = -59    Subtract 33 on both sides

23x = -92     Divide 23 on both sides

x = -4

[proof]

2(8x - 1) + 7(x + 5) = -59

2(8(-4) - 1) + 7(-4 + 5) = -59

2(-32 - 1) + 7(1) = -59

2(-33) + 7 = -59

-66 + 7 = -59

-59 = -59

Answer 2

distribute: 16x - 2 + 7x + 35 = -59

combine like-terms: 23x + 33 = -59

subtract 33 from both sides: 23x = -92

divide by 26 on both sides: x = -4