Question

Identify the steps followed to solve the equation 5 - 3 (x + 3) = 11 - 8x

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 5 - 3 (x + 3) = 11 - 8x \), we can follow these steps:

1. **Distribute \( -3 \)** across the term \( (x + 3) \) on the left side:
\[
5 - 3x - 9 = 11 - 8x
\]

2. **Combine like terms** on the left side:
\[
-3x - 4 = 11 - 8x
\]

3. **Add \( 8x \)** to both sides of the equation to eliminate \( -8x \) on the right side:
\[
-3x + 8x - 4 = 11
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
5x - 4 = 11
\]

4. **Add \( 4 \)** to both sides to isolate the term with \( x \):
\[
5x = 15
\]

5. **Divide by \( 5 \)** to solve for \( x \):
\[
x = 3
\]

The solution to the equation is \( x = 3 \).