Question

4(x − 1) − (x + 2) = 12

Answer 1

you would mult. the 4 and - into the parenthesis

4x-4-x-2=12
combine like terms

3x-6=12

3x=6 divide by 3

x=2

Answer 2

x = 6. Distribute the 4 to (x-1) and distribute the - to (x+2), combine like terms to get 3x-6=12, subtract 6 from each side, divide by 3, and you're left with 6. Plug 6 back into the problem to check your answer.