To solve the equation \( 144 = -12(x + 5) \), you can follow these steps:
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Distribute -12 on the right side of the equation: \[ 144 = -12x - 60 \]
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To isolate the term with \( x \), add 60 to both sides: \[ 144 + 60 = -12x \] \[ 204 = -12x \]
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Now, divide both sides by -12 to solve for \( x \): \[ x = \frac{204}{-12} \] \[ x = -17 \]
The solution to the equation is: \[ x = -17 \]