SOLUTION: I dont remember what the rules are for reducing a linear equation with this many parentheses in it, Can you help me with this one? Do you start with the inside first and then work

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: I dont remember what the rules are for reducing a linear equation with this many parentheses in it, Can you help me with this one? Do you start with the inside first and then work       Log On


   

Question 24053: I dont remember what the rules are for reducing a linear equation with this many parentheses in it, Can you help me with this one? Do you start with the inside first and then work your way out or do you work it just from left to right? I tried working from the inside out and came up with 9 instead of the correct answer which is 15... help :(
x-{3x-[2x-(8-x)+2]+3}-6=0
Answer by elima(1433) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Is the answer 15 or -15? I keep coming up with -15.
x-{3x-[2x-(8-x)+2]+3}-6=0
It sounds like you are forgetting the -1 outside the parenthesis and brackets.
You need to distribute that before you add like terms.
x-{3x-[2x-8+x+2]+3}-6=0
Now add like terms in brackets;
x-{3x-[x-6]+3}-6=0
Now distribute the -1 outside the brackets;
x-{3x-x+6+3}-6=0
Add like terms inside parenthesis;
x-{2x+9}-6=0
now distribute the -1 again outside the par;
x-2x-9-6=0
-x-15=0
-x=15
x=-15
=)