SOLUTION: I am an older student in math 27 (if that means anything) and I am failing the class. I have a lot of trouble with orders of operations and especially linear stuff (that was intell

Question 13006: I am an older student in math 27 (if that means anything) and I am failing the class. I have a lot of trouble with orders of operations and especially linear stuff (that was intelligent) I mean I don't know how to do something like this:
4(x+2)+1=7x-3(x-2) let me try;
4x+2+1=7x-3x-2 or is it +2? Wait, it's times the 3 right?
so it's 4x+3=7x-3x+6? now this is where I get stuck-the 4x and the 7x-what is telling me what to do with them?
Let me try again:
4(x+2)+1=7x-3(x-2) dist prop next-
4x+8+1 (can we say 9 here)=7x-3x+6 because the -3 is dist into the ()?
4x+9=4x+6? Not that I need yet another view because everyone has different approaches, but i don't know what else to do. There has got to be a way to understand this. It's so confusing-especially negative numbers-like -5 is less than -4? (I think) The larger the neg number, the smaller throws me. Anyone willing to make suggestions would be very appreciated. thank you (I feel really stupid-all the kids in the class get it real quick!)
Found 3 solutions by Earlsdon, tayjay, pwac:
Answer by Earlsdon(6294)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, I'm an even older tutor (you don't want to hear how old).
Looking at your attempts to solve this problem, I would that you also have trouble with the "distributive property".
The distributive property basically says...multiply the number on the outside of the parentheses by every...repeat...every term on the inside of the parentheses. You failed to do this so there's now way you can get the correct answer. Take a look below:
Apply the distributive property correctly.
Simplify by collecting like-terms.
Now, if you subtract 4x from both sides you will see some very odd.
The equation is inconsistent, a fancy word for meaning...it really isn't an equation.

Answer by tayjay(2)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4(x+2)+1= Do each side seperately 7x-3(x-2)
4x+8+1= Do each side seperately 7x-3x+6
4 times x=4x, you mult 7x-3times x which is 3x.
then 4 times 2 equals 8 Then . -3 by -2 which is +6.
Then you add the +1 (-)+(-) is a positive when mult.
Which equals 4x+9. Subtract LIKE terms:(7x-3x) 4x+6
4x+9=====================================================4x+6
Now bring them together. You get 4x+9=4x+6. Keep same terms together, like 4x's and whole integers like 9,6. You will subtract 4x from right side and take it to the left. 4x-4x=0 Then you take the 9 to the right side by subtracting it because its a positive number, thus becoming negative. =6-9. This will leave you with -3, and from the left side where the 4x's cancelled out it was 0. 0=-3 is your answer which is incorrect. Your answer is no real solution.

Answer by pwac(253)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your second attempt was spot on in method.However I think you must either have some figures wrong in original problem or signs wrong because:
4x+9 can never = 4x+6 for any value of x.Other tutors will correct me if I have missed something.
OK do not panic.You have made the right move by coming on this site.The areas you mention above where you have difficulty are covered in lessons, accessed through this site, by longjonsilver,dr.rapaljer and ichudov amongst others.
Also look at other answers to get tips.
Stay calm.
Pete
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