how to solve If 2x – 3(x + 4) = - 5, then x =?

2x - 3(x + 4) = -5
2x -3x -12 = -5 [multiply by 3 to remove the brackets]
-x -12 = -5 [combine the x terms]
-x = 7 [add 12 to both sides]
x = -7 [negate both sides]

2x - 3x - 12 = -5
-x = 7
x = -7

2x - 3x - 12 = - 5
- x = 7
x = - 7

2x - 3(x + 4) = -5
2x - 3*x - 3*4 = -5
2x - 3x - 12 = -5
-x - 12 = -5
-x = -5 + 12
x = 7/-1
x = -7

2x - 3(x + 4) = -5
Solution:
first you have to multiply -3 to (x + 4)
2x -3x -12 = -5
then subtract 2x to 3x
-x -12 = -5
let x to be positive so,
-12 + 5 = x
- 7 = x........final answer

Distribute the -3 to the (x+4). Making the new equation 2x+(-3x)-12=-5. Then combine the terms with the same variable, 2x+(-3x) resulting in -1x-12=-5. add 12 to both sides resulting in -1x=7 and move the negative to the other side by multiplying both sides by -1.

2x - 3 (x+4) = -5
2x - 3x -12 = -5 Distribute the -3
-x = 7 Combine similar terms
x = -7 Make x positive by multiplying both sides by -1

And, you're right, x = -7

to start with expand the bracket:
2x-3x-12=-5
-x-12=-5
put the 12 onto the other side and multiply everything by -1, changing the sign of the x
-x=7
x=-7

first multiple the 3 so u get 2x-3x-12=-5
then u add like terms -x-12=-5
add 12 to both side -x = 7
multiple both side by -1 to get rid of the -x
and u get x = -7