SOLUTION: In Chapter 2 - review problems pg 186 #31 31. -4/3(2x+1)=-x-2 Below is how I was trying to solve it but the answer in the back of the book is 2/5 or 0.4, I do not know how

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Question 98493This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: In Chapter 2 - review problems pg 186 #31
31. -4/3(2x+1)=-x-2
Below is how I was trying to solve it but the answer in the back of the book is 2/5 or 0.4, I do not know how they arrived to the answer.
First I converted my fraction
3/1 x -4/3 = -4
Then I took my 3 and multiplied the rest of the terms.
-4(6x+3)=-3x-6
Then I simplify my enclosures.
-24x-12 = -3x-6
Then I took my 12 and added it to both sides.
-24x = -3x + 6
Then I took my -3x and added it to both sides.
-21x = 6
This is where I stopped because to me I would not come up with 2/5 so where did I go wrong. I have worked with this way too long and now I am confused. Please help because he gave us homework on this and we have a test on Thursday. I have tried emailing him but the address is incorrect and I will not see him until Thursday because our class meets 1 day a week. Thank you
This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by edjones(8007)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-4/3(2x+1)=-x-2
multiply -3 times each side: 4(2x+1)=3x+6
8x+4=3x+6
subtract 3x and 4 from each side: 5x=2
divide 5 into each side: x=2/5
When you converted the fraction on the left side you should only multiply 3 times -4/3 and NOT times (2x+1). this gives you -4(2x+1)=-3x-6.


Ed

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