Can someone please help me understand how to work this problem out? Will fan and give medal.

Question

kmullis6 · Answer

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

kmullis6 · Answer

Is this the next step?

-2x - 6 = -2 - 2 - 4

anonymous · Answer

$$-2x - 6 = -2x - 2 - 4$$

kmullis6 · Answer

Oops, I meant to but the x after -2 /:

anonymous · Answer

combine like terms on the left, you get 
$$-2x-6=-2x-6$$ so it is an identity true for all x

anonymous · Answer

good job on the distributive propery!

anonymous · Answer

First, you distribute. So it becomes -2x - 6 = -2x - 2 - 4. Next, reduce as much as possible. So it becomes -2x - 6 = -2x - 6. Then simplify. So it becomes 0 = 0.

kmullis6 · Answer

Oh ok I get it, thanks guys!!

kmullis6 · Answer

One more thing, sorry! Would the answer be "all real numbers" then? @satellite73 @nick111987

anonymous · Answer

yes

anonymous · Answer

Well, let's say the answer is 0. If you plug 0 in where the x is, you get 0 = 0 - 4. 0 does not equal -4. So I don't know.

anonymous · Answer

it is all real numbers since 
$$-2x-6=-2x-6$$ no matter what $x$ is

anonymous · Answer

It would be all real numbers. I accidentally plugged 0 in to the wrong line. I apologize for any confusion I caused.