Solve the equation filling in the steps: 2(x−3)+21=−3

Question

(6 points)

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 2(x - 3) + 21 = -3 \), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Distribute the \(2\)

Distribute \(2\) to both \(x\) and \(-3\):

\[ 2 \cdot x - 2 \cdot 3 + 21 = -3 \]

This simplifies to:

\[ 2x - 6 + 21 = -3 \]

Step 2: Combine like terms

Combine the constants \(-6\) and \(21\):

\[ 2x + 15 = -3 \]

Step 3: Isolate the term with \(x\)

Subtract \(15\) from both sides to isolate terms with \(x\):

\[ 2x + 15 - 15 = -3 - 15 \]

This simplifies to:

\[ 2x = -18 \]

Step 4: Solve for \(x\)

Divide both sides by \(2\):

\[ x = \frac{-18}{2} \]

This simplifies to:

\[ x = -9 \]

Solution

The solution to the equation \(2(x - 3) + 21 = -3\) is:

\[ \boxed{-9} \]