3x+8{3x-[5(x-2)-3]}=2(x-10) Help i have no idea what to do with all of the ( ) [ ] {}

Question

luffingsails · Answer

The key with problems like this is making sure your bookkeeping is good.

Start on the left with 5(x-2)-3. simplify.
Then on the left, multiply through by 8. simplify.
Then still on the left, add 3x. simplify.

On the right is pretty straightforward. Just multiply through by 2.

Once that is complete, combine like terms and solve.

anonymous · Answer

its pemdas. solve everything in the brackets first

anonymous · Answer

so for the left i would then have 3x+24x-40x-80-24?

luffingsails · Answer

3x+ 8{3x-[5(x-2)-3]}
3x + 8{3x-[5x-10-3]}
3x + 8{3x-[5x-13]}
3x + 8{3x-5x+13}
3x + 8{-2x+13}
3x -16x + 104
-13x+104

anonymous · Answer

how do i know when to get rid of each different braket?

luffingsails · Answer

Only when you are done with everything inside of it. If it isn't simplified, then you may run into confusion. Best to take small bites until you understand it. Hope that helps.