Solving the Equation: (x - 3) - 2 = 6 - 2(x + 1)
This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of solving the equation (x - 3) - 2 = 6 - 2(x + 1).
Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation
- Left side:
- Combine the constants: (x - 3) - 2 = x - 5
- Right side:
- Distribute the -2: 6 - 2(x + 1) = 6 - 2x - 2
- Combine the constants: 6 - 2x - 2 = 4 - 2x
Now, the equation looks like this: x - 5 = 4 - 2x
Step 2: Isolate the 'x' terms
- Add 2x to both sides: x - 5 + 2x = 4 - 2x + 2x
- Simplify: 3x - 5 = 4
Step 3: Isolate the 'x' term
- Add 5 to both sides: 3x - 5 + 5 = 4 + 5
- Simplify: 3x = 9
Step 4: Solve for 'x'
- Divide both sides by 3: 3x / 3 = 9 / 3
- Simplify: x = 3
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x - 3) - 2 = 6 - 2(x + 1) is x = 3.
Verification
To verify our answer, we can substitute x = 3 back into the original equation:
- (3 - 3) - 2 = 6 - 2(3 + 1)
- 0 - 2 = 6 - 2(4)
- -2 = 6 - 8
- -2 = -2
Since both sides of the equation are equal, our solution x = 3 is correct.