Using the distributive property as a good first step to solving the equation 7(5x+2)=-4(6-5x)

1 answer

To solve the equation 7(5x+2) = -4(6-5x) using the distributive property as a first step, we need to distribute the coefficients to each term inside the parentheses.

First, let's distribute 7 to each term inside the first set of parentheses:

7 * 5x = 35x
7 * 2 = 14

Now, let's distribute -4 to each term inside the second set of parentheses:

-4 * 6 = -24
-4 * (-5x) = 20x

After distributing, the equation becomes:

35x + 14 = -24 + 20x

Now, we can combine like terms. Move all the x terms to one side of the equation and move all the constant terms to the other side.

35x - 20x = -24 - 14

Simplifying the equation gives us:

15x = -38

To solve for x, divide both sides of the equation by 15:

x = -38/15

So, the solution to the equation 7(5x+2) = -4(6-5x) is x = -38/15.