SOLUTION: 6(x+1) = 12(x-3) then you get 6x+6=12x-36 My question at this point is: How do you know which side to start with. Not sure whether to start with +6 or -36 or 6x or 12x.

Question 2271: 6(x+1) = 12(x-3)
then you get
6x+6=12x-36
My question at this point is: How do you know which side to start with. Not sure whether to start with +6 or -36 or 6x or 12x.

Answer by longjonsilver(2297) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
it doesn't matter...
either collect x terms together first:
-6x+6=-36
-6x = -42
x=(-42)/(-6)
x=7
or collect the pure numbers together first:
6x = 12x-42
-6x = -42
x = (-42)/(-6)
x = 7
jon
RELATED QUESTIONS
sorry but i'am not sure what this kind of problem is what is x? sqrt (3x+1)+ sqrt... (answered by Alan3354,stanbon)

Hi, This is what my book says for the four problems I need help on: For each of the (answered by drk)

solve for x: (2^2x-3)(2^3x+1)=8^6 My... (answered by Alan3354)

one question: about finding center and radius (circle graph) : {{{ 3x^2 + 3y^2 - 6x... (answered by stanbon,scott8148,Earlsdon)

i worked this problem: (2x + 1)/3 - (3-x)/4 = (x)/6 and i got 1.67 = x which is wrong (answered by jrfrunner)

Im having trouble with some word problems i have many for my homework i understand the... (answered by stanbon,lwsshak3)

I am trying to solve the following equations but I am having trouble. 1.... (answered by jim_thompson5910)

What is the process for finding max/min for functions? I have this function: f(x) = 2x^3 (answered by ikleyn)

How can I solve x^2-12x=-36 by factoring? So far This is the work I have accomplished:... (answered by josmiceli,oberobic)