How do you solve #3(x + 1) = -2(x - 1) - 4#?

First you need to expand out the brackets on both sides of the equals sign.

#3(x+1)#
#3x + 3#

Times the #3# on the outside of the first set of brackets by #x# and then by #1#. This makes #3x + 3.#

Now expand the second set of brackets out. Remember that the #-4# has nothing to do with this set of brackets.

#2(-x+1)#
#-2x + 2#

Here, you times #2# by #-x#. This makes #-2x#. Then you times #2# by #+1#. This makes #+2#.

Now write out the sum with the newly expanded brackets and the #-4#.

#3x + 3 = -2x + 2 -4#

Collect the like terms on each side of the equals sign to make:

#3x + 3 = -2x -2#

I did the sum #+2 - 4# to work this out.

Now you have to collect all the #x#'s on one side and the other numbers on the other side.

#3x + 3 = -2x -2#

To cancel out #-2x# you must #+2x# on each side of the equals sign.

#5x + 3 = -2#

Then, to get rid of the #+3# on the left side of the equals sign, you must #-3# from each side of the equals sign.

#5x = -5#

Finally, to cancel down the answer, divide both sides of the equals sign by #5# because both sides are divisible by #5#.

#x = -1#