Solve for x: 2(-5x - 1) + 4x - 3 = 19
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to solve the equation for the variable x. This involves simplifying the left-hand side and isolating x to find its value.
Answer
\( x = -4 \)
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is ( x = -4 ).
Steps to Solve
- Distribute in the equation
First, distribute the $2$ into the parentheses: $$ 2(-5x - 1) = -10x - 2 $$ This changes the equation to: $$ -10x - 2 + 4x - 3 = 19 $$
- Combine like terms
Now, combine the like terms on the left side of the equation: $$ -10x + 4x - 2 - 3 = -6x - 5 $$ So the equation now reads: $$ -6x - 5 = 19 $$
- Isolate the variable
Next, add $5$ to both sides to isolate the term with $x$: $$ -6x - 5 + 5 = 19 + 5 $$ This simplifies to: $$ -6x = 24 $$
- Solve for $x$
Finally, divide both sides by $-6$ to solve for $x$: $$ x = \frac{24}{-6} = -4 $$
The final answer is ( x = -4 ).
More Information
This solution involves distributing, combining like terms, and isolating the variable. It illustrates key algebraic manipulations used to solve linear equations.
Tips
- Forgetting to distribute correctly.
- Failing to combine like terms accurately.
- Incorrectly isolating the variable by not accounting for signs.
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