Section: Mathematical Reasoning

30) Solve for x: 

-2(5 - 3x) = 12 - 3(5 - x)

1. ⁷/₆
2. -⁷/₆
3. ⁷/₃
4. -⁷/₃

The key is to isolate the variable, and to do that, you'll need the x on only one side of the equal sign. Let's start from the top:

-2(5 - 3x) = 12 - 3(5 - x)

Get rid of the parentheses.

-10 + 6x = 12 - 15 + 3x

Add 10 to both sides and subtract 15 from 12.

6x = -3 + 3x + 10

Add -3 and 10.

6x = 7 + 3x

Now isolate the variable by adding -3x to both sides.

3x = 7

Divide 7 by 3. In fraction form, that'll look like this:

x = ⁷/₃