Algebra- Multi-Step Equation With A Variable On Both Sides

I'm going to upload a screenshot of what I'm having trouble with

Question

Algebra- Multi-Step Equation With A Variable On Both Sides

I'm going to upload a screenshot of what I'm having trouble with

anonymous · Answer

attachment

tkhunny · Answer

So close.

-6x - 8

anonymous · Answer

@tkhunny how is it -6x - 8?

tkhunny · Answer

3(2x-1) = 6x - 3 -- You got this piece.
-2(3x+4) = -6x - 8 -- You have +8.  No good.

anonymous · Answer

@tkhunny I added 8 because I don't understand how the 2 is all of a sudden negative do I just take the liberty of making it negative?

tkhunny · Answer

It is a common point of confusion.  It sometimes helps to rewrite it as addition - even though it looks very awkward.

3(2x-1) - 2(3x+4)
3(2x-1) + (-2)*(3x+4)

Look any better?

anonymous · Answer

Yes @tkhunny thank you. You saved me from immense frustration.

tkhunny · Answer

Keep a list of weird notations.  This is one of them.  The SUBTRACTION that magically turns into a UNARY MINUS.  It's a little odd-looking.