SOLUTION: This is on my son's homework and I keep getting an answer that doesn't make sense. 21(2-x)+12x = 44 When I distribute, I get 42-21x +12x = 44 Then, -21x+12x=2 -9x=2 x=-.2222

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: This is on my son's homework and I keep getting an answer that doesn't make sense. 21(2-x)+12x = 44 When I distribute, I get 42-21x +12x = 44 Then, -21x+12x=2 -9x=2 x=-.2222       Log On


   

Question 698253: This is on my son's homework and I keep getting an answer that doesn't make sense. 21(2-x)+12x = 44
When I distribute, I get 42-21x +12x = 44
Then, -21x+12x=2
-9x=2
x=-.2222
What are we doing wrong?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
21%282-x%29%2B12x=44 Start with the given equation.


42-21x%2B12x=44 Distribute.


-9x%2B42=44 Combine like terms on the left side.


-9x=44-42 Subtract 42 from both sides.


-9x=2 Combine like terms on the right side.


x=%282%29%2F%28-9%29 Divide both sides by -9 to isolate x.


x=-2%2F9 Reduce.


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Answer:

So the solution is x=-2%2F9

Since -0.22222... is equivalent to -2%2F9, you have the correct answer.