Question

Carey solves the equation 4 (2 x minus 1) + 5 = 3 + 2 (x + 1) by applying the distributive property on both sides of the equation. The result is 8 x minus 4 + 5 = 3 + 2 x + 2. Carey then wants to combine like terms. Which are the terms Carey should combine?
8x + 2x
–4 + 5 + 3 + 2
–4 + 5 and 3 + 2
4 + 5 and 3 + 2

Answer 1

–4 + 5 and 3 + 2.

These are the constant terms on each side. Combining gives 8x + 1 = 2x + 5 (then solve: 6x = 4, x = 2/3).