Question

An equation is shown below:

5(2x - 8) + 15 = -15

Write the steps you will use to solve the equation and explain each step.

Answer 1

5(2x - 8) + 15 = -15
               -15      -15     subtract 15 from each side
5(2x - 8) = -30
  ÷5             ÷5             divide both sides by 5
2x - 8 = -6
     +8    +8                   add 8 to each side
2x=2
÷2  ÷2                          divide both sides by 3
x = 1

Checking:
5(2(1)-8) + 15 = -15
5(-6) + 15 = -15
-30 + 15 = -15
-15 = -15             Correct! x=1

Answer 2

5(2x-8) + 15 = -15

Distribute the 5 into (2x-8) :
10x - 40 + 15 = -15

Add -25 and 15 :
10x - 25 = -15

Add 10 to both sides:
10x = -15 + 25
10x = 10

Divide both sides by 10 :
x = 10/10
x = 1