solve 8x - (5x + 4) = 5 The solution is x = what?

8x - (5x + 4) = 5

(distribute the negative sign)

8x - 5x - 4 = 5

(add 4 to both sides)

8x - 5x = 4 + 5

(combine terms)

3x = 9

(divide both sides by 3)

x= 3

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Check solution:

8(3) - (5(3) + 4) = 5

24 - (15 + 4) = 5

24 - 19 = 5

5 = 5 (TRUE)

Remember there is an invisible 1 after the minus sign just before the bracket which means that the content of the bracket must be multiplied by -1

8x -1(5x + 4) = 5
8x -5x - 4 = 5
(now bring all terms involving x together)
3x - 4 = 5
(now bring -4 to the other side of the = sign, changing it to +4)
3x = 5 + 4
(now simplify and solve)
3x = 9
x = 9/3
x = 3

Im pretty sure you would use the distributive property to remove the brackets so multiply everything inside them by negative one. that leaves: 8x - 5x - 4 = 5
Then simplify by carrying over the four or adding positive four to both sides. 8x - 5x = 9
Then you simplify again. 3x = 9
Then you need to remove the three so you divide both sides by three. AND THAT LEAVES.........

x = 3 ta-da!

8x - (5x + 4) = 5
8x - 5x - 4 = 5
(8x - 5x) = 5 + 4
3x = 9
x = 9/3
x = 3

checking to see if it works by putting the answer back in the original equation
8x - (5x + 4) = 5
8*3 - (5*3 + 4) =5
24 - (15 + 4) = 5
24 - 19 = 5
5 = 5 so it checks out

8x - (5x + 4) = 5
8x - 5x - 4 = 5
8x - 5x = 5 + 4
3x = 9
x = 9/3
x = 3

8x - 5x - 4 = 5
3x = 9
x = 3

8x - (5x + 4) = 5
3x=9
x=3

8X - 5X = 5+4,so 3X = 9 and X=9/3 = 3
24 - 15 - 4 = 5

8x-5x-4=5
3x=9
x=3