SOLUTION: I am trying to solve this equation. 5(3 - 2x) = 7 - 2(1 - 4x) I know I am suppose to distribute through and I did that on the left hand side and got 15-10x but I am not sure how

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I am trying to solve this equation. 5(3 - 2x) = 7 - 2(1 - 4x) I know I am suppose to distribute through and I did that on the left hand side and got 15-10x but I am not sure how       Log On


   

Question 710886: I am trying to solve this equation.
5(3 - 2x) = 7 - 2(1 - 4x)
I know I am suppose to distribute through and I did that on the left hand side and got 15-10x but I am not sure how to do the right side.
Answer by tutor_paul(519) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
5%283+-+2x%29+=+7+-+2%281+-+4x%29
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When doing something like this, remember the "Order of Precedence" of operations. Multiplication comes before addition. So doing left side first, you multiply through (as you said) and get:
15-10x+=+7-2%281-4x%29
For the right side, since multiplication has a higher order of precedence than addition, you have to multiply through by -2 first, leaving the 7 alone (watch your signs):
15-10x+=+7-2%2B8x
Arrange the x terms on the left side of the equation, and the other terms on the right:
-10x-8x=7-2-15
Combine the like terms:
-18x=-10
Solve for x:
highlight%28x=5%2F9%29
Check it:
5%283+-+2%285%2F9%29%29+=+7+-+2%281+-+4%285%2F9%29%29
5%283-10%2F9%29=7-2%281-20%2F9%29
15-50%2F9=7-2%2B40%2F9
15-50%2F9=5%2B40%2F9
135%2F9-50%2F9=45%2F9%2B40%2F9
85%2F9=85%2F9
The equation holds true, so you know you got the right answer.
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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com