How do you solve #3(x+7)= -2x-(3x+3)#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-02-21T23:01:54

See the entire solution process below:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis on each side of the equation:

#color(red)(3)(x + 7) = -2x - (3x + 3)#

#(color(red)(3) xx x) + (color(red)(3) xx 7) = -2x - 3x - 3#

#3x + 21 = (-2 - 3)x - 3#

#3x + 21 = -5x - 3#

Next, subtract #color(red)(21)# and add #color(blue)(5x)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#3x + 21 - color(red)(21) + color(blue)(5x) = -5x - 3 - color(red)(21) + color(blue)(5x)#

#3x + color(blue)(5x) + 21 - color(red)(21) = -5x + color(blue)(5x) - 3 - color(red)(21)#

#(3 + 5)x + 0 = 0 - 24#

#8x = -24#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(8)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(8x)/color(red)(8) = -24/color(red)(8)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(8)))x)/cancel(color(red)(8)) = -3#

#x = -3#