Question

How do you solve `3(x-5)=12`?

Answer 1

`x=9`

Explanation:

`"distribute the parenthesis on the left side of the equation"`

`3x-15=12`

`"add 15 to both sides"`

`3xcancel(-15)cancel(+15)=12+15`

`rArr3x=27`

`"divide both sides by 3"`

`(cancel(3) x)/cancel(3)=27/3`

`rArrx=9`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value into the left side of the equation and if equal to the right side then it is the solution.

`3(9-5)=3xx4=12`

`rArrx=9" is the solution"`

Answer 2

Isolate x
(answer will be nine)

Explanation:

First you want to divide both sides by 3

`(cancel3(x-5))/cancel3=12/3`

`x-5=4`

Add 5 to both sides

`x-cancel5+cancel5=4+5`

`x=9`