Question 56402


--Your first step would be to distribute everything. 
--Your second step would be to combine like terms
--Your third step out be to add 8x to each side. The one's on the right would cancel out.
--Your fourth step would be to add two to each side. The 2's on the left will cancel out.
--Your fifth step would be to divide by 15.
7(x-1) + 5 = 2(3-4x) + 7
7x - 7 + 5 = 6 - 8x + 7
7x - 2 = 13 - 8x
15x - 2 = 13
15x = 15
x = 1
.
Always check your work:
7(x-1) + 5 = 2(3-4x) + 7
7(1-1) + 5 = 2(3-4*1) + 7
0 + 5 = 6 - 8 + 7
5 = 5
.
I got x = 1. and it checked. I'm not sure how your son got -11. If you need further explaining, just let me know.