Solve for x: 2(-5x - 1) + 4x - 3 = 19

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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

  1. Distribute in the equation

First, distribute the $2$ into the parentheses: $$ 2(-5x - 1) = -10x - 2 $$ This changes the equation to: $$ -10x - 2 + 4x - 3 = 19 $$

  1. 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: $$ -6x - 5 = 19 $$

  1. Isolate the variable

Next, add $5$ to both sides to isolate the term with $x$: $$ -6x - 5 + 5 = 19 + 5 $$ This simplifies to: $$ -6x = 24 $$

  1. 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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