Solving For "X"

My Checklist

Equation to solve: 3(x - 2) + 5 = 11

Distribute (Remove Parentheses)

Combine Like Terms

Move Constants (Addition/Subtraction)

Isolate the Variable (Multiplication/Division)

Verify the Answer

That is How You Do It

Step 1: Distribute (Remove Parentheses)

Multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside. 3 * x - 3 * 2 + 5 = 11 3x - 6 + 5 = 11

Step 2: Combine Like Terms

Simplify both sides of the equation by grouping numbers with numbers and variables with variables. -6 + 5 = -1 3x - 1 = 11

Step 3: Move Constants (Addition/Subtraction)

Move the constant term (the number without a variable) to the other side by doing the opposite operation. Add 1 to both sides: 3x - 1 + 1 = 11 + 1 3x = 12

Step 4: Isolate the Variable (Multiplication/Division)

Divide by 3 on both sides: 3x / 3 = 12 / 3 x = 4

Step 5: Verify the Answer

Substitute back into the original equation to check. 3(4 - 2) + 5 = 11 3(2) + 5 = 11 6 + 5 = 11

Step 6: That is How You Do It

RCMI Remove, Combine, Move and Isolate.