SOLUTION: What is the common error in the first step of solving the following problem. Equation: 6x - (x + 3) = 5 + 2x First step: 6x - x + 3 = 5 + 2x

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Question 48014This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: What is the common error in the first step of solving the following problem.

Equation: 6x - (x + 3) = 5 + 2x
First step: 6x - x + 3 = 5 + 2x
 This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by ChillyWiz282(3) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Now you see, the problem 6x-(x+3)=5+2x can be rewritten as followed
---> 6x-1*(x+3)=5+2x
Using the rules of Distrubtion, a*(b+c)=a*b+a*c yields 6x-x-3=5+2x.
Notice that -1*(x+3)=(-1)*x+(-1)*(-1)3
Simplfying the problem gives us 5x-3=5+2x
minus 3 to both sides gives us 5x=8+2x
add 2x to both sides gives us 3x=8
x=8/3 or 2.66667