Question

the answer to this is supposed to be 2 but I cant get there -2(x-4)-(8x-3)=2-(6x-1)can anyone help me with this

Answer 1

-2(x-4)-(8x-3)=2-(6x-1)

What did you do first?

Answer 2

distribute the -2(x-4)

Answer 3

I will do my best
-2(x-4)-(8x-3)=2-(-6x-1). I think this is the problem if i understood correctly right? @michaelhale

Answer 4

yes that is the problem

Answer 5

Don't just tell me - SHOW me!

Answer 6

-2(x-4),-2x+8

Answer 7

-2x+8-8x+3=2+6x+1

Answer 8

combine the like terms then solve like a regular equation

Answer 9

how did you get +3

Answer 10

a negative (-) times -3 = a positive number, hence +3

Answer 11

that is how i distributed it

Answer 12

Don't be afraid to rewrite things a bit. It will help you win the battle.

-2(x-4)-(8x-3)=2-(6x-1)

First parentheses

-2x + 8 - (8x-3) = 2 - (6x-1)

Next parentheses

-2x + 8 - 8x + 3 = 2 - (6x-1)

Last parentheses

-2x + 8 - 8x + 3 = 2 - 6x + 1

See how easy that is to follow, now that we have written the entire expression every step of the way?

Okay, now what?

Answer 13

so when I see -(8x_3) I distribute the - sign as a coefficient of -1

Answer 14

That is a reasonable understanding. It is the same on the last parentheses.

Answer 15

thank you both I have been beating myself up over this one for a while I got the answer I needed

Answer 16

Woo-hoo! Good work!

Answer 17

nice process @tkhunny awesome job! ^.^

Answer 18

i cant give a best response because you both did awsome

Answer 19

No worries. You learning is what is important!

Answer 20

-2x+4-8x+3=2-6x+1
=>-10x+5=-6x+3
=>-4x=-2
=>x=2