# Multi Step Equations snag

• Nov 3rd 2007, 01:31 PM
Nightfire
Multi Step Equations snag
i've gotten this assignment completely down, except for two problems...
i've gotten the answers for both of them, the only problem is i cant figure out how to show my work. ive tried every listed method in the book and cant figure it out..please help

17 = 2(3x+1) - x

and

-10 = 4 - 7x/4

*7x/4 is a fraction

• Nov 3rd 2007, 03:57 PM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightfire
i've gotten this assignment completely down, except for two problems...
i've gotten the answers for both of them, the only problem is i cant figure out how to show my work. ive tried every listed method in the book and cant figure it out..please help

17 = 2(3x+1) - x

$17 = 2(3x + 1) - x$ .......expand the brackets by taking the 2 on the outside and multiplying everything inside

$\Rightarrow 17 = 6x + 2 - x$ ......now group the x's and simplify

$\Rightarrow 17 = 5x + 2$ ........get the x's alone on the right side by subtracting the 2, since this is an equation, we must subtract the 2 from the other side as well

$\Rightarrow 15 = 5x$ ........divide both sides by 5

$\Rightarrow x = 3$

Quote:

-10 = 4 - 7x/4

*7x/4 is a fraction
$-10 = 4 - \frac {7x}4$ ........multiply through by 4 to get rid of the fraction

$\Rightarrow -40 = 16 - 7x$

now solve as i did above, remember your objective is to get the x on one side of the equation by itself