Which of the following is a simplified version of 12 - 2(x + 1) = 5?

Answer 1

To simplify the equation \( 12 - 2(x + 1) = 5 \), follow these steps:

1. Distribute the \(-2\) to both terms inside the parentheses: \[ 12 - 2(x) - 2(1) = 5 \] This simplifies to: \[ 12 - 2x - 2 = 5 \]

2. Combine like terms on the left side: \[ (12 - 2) - 2x = 5 \] This simplifies to: \[ 10 - 2x = 5 \]

Thus, the simplified version of the equation \( 12 - 2(x + 1) = 5 \) is: \[ 10 - 2x = 5 \]