Question

Solve for x.
2, left parenthesis, x, minus, 1, right parenthesis, plus, 3, x, minus, 5, equals, minus, 17
2(x−1)+3x−5=
−17

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 2(x - 1) + 3x - 5 = -17 \), let's simplify it step by step.

First, distribute the \( 2 \) in the term \( 2(x - 1) \):

\[
2(x - 1) = 2x - 2
\]

Now, substitute this back into the equation:

\[
2x - 2 + 3x - 5 = -17
\]

Next, combine like terms on the left side:

\[
(2x + 3x) + (-2 - 5) = -17
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
5x - 7 = -17
\]

To isolate \( 5x \), add \( 7 \) to both sides:

\[
5x - 7 + 7 = -17 + 7
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
5x = -10
\]

Now, divide both sides by \( 5 \):

\[
x = \frac{-10}{5}
\]

Thus, we find:

\[
x = -2
\]

So, the solution is:

\[
\boxed{-2}
\]