Question

Solve for x: -2(x + 3) = -2(x + 1) - 4.
Medal?

Answer 1

@aum Hey I just ran into another question I need help with. Can you help?

Answer 2

First distribute the -2 on the left hand side as well as the right hand side. Tell me what you get?

Answer 3

x+3=x+1-4?

Answer 4

I'm not sure what you mean by distribute. I always get confused with the word distribute

Answer 5

No. The -2 outside means each term inside the parenthesis has to be multiplied by -2. That is what distribute -2 means here.

Answer 6

Oh

Answer 7

-2x-3=-2x-1-4

Answer 8

Not -3. -2 * 3 = -6
Left hand side is: -2(x + 3) = -2x - 6
Right hand side is: -2(x + 1) - 4 = -2x - 2 - 4 = -2x - 6
Equate the left and right hand sides:
-2x - 6 = -2x - 6
Both LHS and RHS are identical.
This tell ys that no matter what x is, the LHS and RHS will ALWAYS be equal.
That means this equation has infinite number of solutions.
You can put any value for x and the given equation -2(x + 3) = -2(x + 1) - 4 will ALWAYS be true. Therefore there are infinite solutions where x can be ANY real number.

Answer 9

So all real numbers?

Answer 10

Yes x can be ANY real number.

Answer 11

Oh. Ok, thank you for the help again!

Answer 12

you are welcome.