Question

Solve for x.
minus, 2, left parenthesis, x, plus, 2, right parenthesis, minus, x, minus, 3, equals, 8
−2(x+2)−x−3=
8

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(-2(x + 2) - x - 3 = 8\), first simplify the left side.

1. Distribute \(-2\) to the terms inside the parentheses:
\[
-2(x + 2) = -2x - 4
\]
So, the equation now looks like:
\[
-2x - 4 - x - 3 = 8
\]

2. Combine like terms:
\[
-2x - x - 4 - 3 = 8
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
-3x - 7 = 8
\]

3. Next, add 7 to both sides to isolate the term with \(x\):
\[
-3x - 7 + 7 = 8 + 7
\]
Which simplifies to:
\[
-3x = 15
\]

4. Now, divide both sides by -3 to solve for \(x\):
\[
x = \frac{15}{-3} = -5
\]

Thus, the solution is:
\[
\boxed{-5}
\]