Question

How do you solve `5( x + 6) - 2= 16`?

Answer 1

`x = -12/5`

Explanation:

First, expand the term in parenthesis:

`5x + 30 - 2 = 16`

Next consolidate like terms:

`5x + 28 = 16`

Next isolate the `x` term on one side of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

`5x + 28 - 28 = 16 - 28`

`5x + 0 = - 12`

`5x = -12`

Now, solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(5x)/5 = (-12)/5`

`(cancel(5)x)/cancel(5) = -12/5`

`x = -12/5`

Answer 2

`x=-12/5`

Explanation:

We can start by distributing the `5` on the left side to get

`5x+30-2=16`

We can further simplify the constants on the left to get

`5x+28=16`

Next, let's subtract `28` from both sides to get

`5x=-12`

Lastly, we can divide both sides by `5` to get

`x=-12/5`

Hope this helps!