Question 710886
{{{5(3 - 2x) = 7 - 2(1 - 4x)}}}
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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(1-4x)}}}
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+8x}}}
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(x=5/9)}}}
Check it:
{{{5(3 - 2(5/9)) = 7 - 2(1 - 4(5/9))}}}
{{{5(3-10/9)=7-2(1-20/9)}}}
{{{15-50/9=7-2+40/9}}}
{{{15-50/9=5+40/9}}}
{{{135/9-50/9=45/9+40/9}}}
{{{85/9=85/9}}}
The equation holds true, so you know you got the right answer.
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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com