How do you solve for x: # 3(2-x)=-12#?

1 Answer
Kayla
Jun 28, 2016

I got x = 6

Explanation:

First, you want to use the distributive property:

www.coolmath.com

If we follow that illustration, we will have to distribute the 3 to everything inside of the parenthesis to get this:

#3xx2# #- 3xxX# #=-12#

Let's make the equation look better by rewriting it:

#6-3x = -12#

Next, subtract 6 on both sides of the equals sign to get #-3x# by itself and to remove the 6 on the left hand side of the equation:

#-3x = -18#

Finally, divide by -3 on both sides of the equals sign to find x:
#(-3x)/-3 = (-18)/-3#

Thus, #x = 6#

Related questions
See all questions in Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Impact of this question
2293 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License