Question

How do I solve this equation? 2(x+1) + 3x = 17

Answer 1

2(x + 1) + 3x = 17

Distributive property.

2x + 2 + 3x = 17

Combine like terms.

5x + 2 = 17

Subtract 2 from both sides.

5x = 15

Divide both sides by 5.

x = 3

Answer 2

First, you need to use the distributive property and distribute the 2 inside the parentheses.

2(x + 1) + 3x = 17

2(x) + 2(1) + 3x = 17

2x + 2 + 3x = 17                   -Combine like terms

2x + 3x + 2 = 17

5x + 2 = 17                 -Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation.

5x + 2 - 2 = 17 - 2

5x = 15                            -Finally, divide each side by 5 to find your answer

5x/5 = 15/5

x = 3

Hope this helps you!