Question

What is `3(x-4) = 2x - (3x - 4)` ?

I tried to solve it but when i plug the numbers, both sides are unequal.

Answer 1

`x=4`

Explanation:

Start of by distributing the numbers. So, do this:

Actual Equation:
`3(x-4)=2x-(3x-4)`

Actual Equation after distributing the numbers:
`3x-12=2x-3x+4`

Notice how I multiplied the `(x-4)` with `3` and the `(3x-4)` with the `-`. If you want to take the parentheses out, multiply the quantity inside the parentheses with the number that is directly outside of the parentheses. ex: `3(x-4)` or `-(3x-4)`

`-(3x-4)` became `-3x+4` because the number that is outside of the parentheses is `-1`, therefore multiplying `(3x-4)` with `-1` equals `-3x+4`.

Your second step would be to shift the `x` variables onto one side. I'm going to shift it to the left side.

`3x-12=2x-3x+4`

Step 3: Simplify the `2x-3x` into `-x`

`3x-12=-x+4`

Step 4: Add `x` to each side

`4x-12=4`

Step 5: Add `12` to each side

`4x=16`

Step 6: Divide each number by `4`

`x=4`