SOLUTION: I am a parent helping with son's homework. We struggled with 2 problems The 1st one is similar to this one. The instructions were to simplify these problems. 3(x+6) = 3(x-6)

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: I am a parent helping with son's homework. We struggled with 2 problems The 1st one is similar to this one. The instructions were to simplify these problems. 3(x+6) = 3(x-6)       Log On


   

Question 102086: I am a parent helping with son's homework. We struggled with 2 problems The 1st one is similar to this one. The instructions were to simplify these problems.
3(x+6) = 3(x-6)
My work and answer was
3x + 18 = 3x - 18
3x + 18 = 3x
Final answer = 18


Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think this is your equation and you want to solve for x.
3%28x%2B6%29+=+3%28x-6%29
3x%2B18+=+3x-18 Use the distributive property
Next step, variables (unknowns) on one side, knowns on the other.
3x%2Bcross%2818%29-cross%2818%29+=+3x-18-18 Use the additive inverse of 18 or (-18).
3x+=+3x-36 Simplify.
3x+-+3x+=+3x+-+3x+-36 Use the additive inverse of 3x or (-3x).
0+=+-36
Huh? Your equation leads to an inconsistency since 0 obviously does not equal (-36). There is no solution for x. In other words, there is no value for x where this equation works.