Question

Solve the equation filling in the steps: 2(x−3)+21=−3
(6 points)

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 2(x - 3) + 21 = -3 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Distribute the \(2\)
Distribute \(2\) to both \(x\) and \(-3\):

\[
2 \cdot x - 2 \cdot 3 + 21 = -3
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
2x - 6 + 21 = -3
\]

### Step 2: Combine like terms
Combine the constants \(-6\) and \(21\):

\[
2x + 15 = -3
\]

### Step 3: Isolate the term with \(x\)
Subtract \(15\) from both sides to isolate terms with \(x\):

\[
2x + 15 - 15 = -3 - 15
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
2x = -18
\]

### Step 4: Solve for \(x\)
Divide both sides by \(2\):

\[
x = \frac{-18}{2}
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
x = -9
\]

### Solution
The solution to the equation \(2(x - 3) + 21 = -3\) is:

\[
\boxed{-9}
\]