Question

How do you solve `-4( 3x - 4) + 2= - 12x + 18`?

Answer 1

You have to follow PEMDAS (Order of Operations) first, and then the answer once you combine terms is x=0.

Explanation:

1. -4(3x-4) + 2 = -12x + 18––>-12x + 16 +2 = -12x + 18
   This is done by following the Order of Operations. PEMDAS (usually remembered as an acronymn by "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally") states that you must first deal with Parentheses, then Exponents, then Multiplication and Division, and then Addition and Subtraction when evaluating an equation or problem. In this specific case, since the -4 is in front of the parentheses (and since there was a variable inside the parentheses, meaning it couldn't be solved at first), you need to multiply -4 x 3x, and then -4 x -4.

2.-12x + 18 = -12x + 18
This is simply combining terms. 16 + 2 is 18 on the left side of the equation.

1. -12x + 18 = -12 x + 18
   +12x +12x
   At this point, you need to combine terms. Remember: What you do to one side of the equation, you need to do to the other.
   What you come out with is this: 0x + 18 = 18

2. 0x + 18 = 18
   -18 -18
   0x = 0
   Combining terms again.

3. And lastly, though it is unnecessary here, you divide the number in front of the variable (0 in front of the x) to find for x!
   0x = 0
   0x/0 = 0/0

4. Solution: x=0