To solve the equation \( 20x - 5(6x + 15) = -45 \), follow these steps:
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Distribute \( -5 \) across \( (6x + 15) \): \[ 20x - 5 \cdot 6x - 5 \cdot 15 = -45 \] This simplifies to: \[ 20x - 30x - 75 = -45 \]
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Combine like terms: \[ (20x - 30x) - 75 = -45 \] This simplifies to: \[ -10x - 75 = -45 \]
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Add \( 75 \) to both sides: \[ -10x - 75 + 75 = -45 + 75 \] This simplifies to: \[ -10x = 30 \]
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Divide by \( -10 \): \[ x = \frac{30}{-10} \] This gives: \[ x = -3 \]
Thus, the solution to the equation \( 20x - 5(6x + 15) = -45 \) is \( x = -3 \).