Algebra Homework Help!

[lateSeptember1964]

Can anyone solve the following equation and help us to understand how its done.

3(6x-1)=8(2x-1)

18x -3=16x-8
18x-16x=-8+3
2x=-5
x=-2.5
I think

Multiply out the brackets first
18x - 3 = 16x - 8

since the number outside a bracket tells you how many lots of the bracket you need

then subtact 16x from both sides ( whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other) this gives

2x - 3 = -8

then + 3 to reverse the -3

2x = -8 + 3

2x = -5

x =-2.5

1. multiply out the brackets : 18x -3 = 16x-8
2. move the xs to one side, the numbers to the other. Remember moving sides changes the sign: 18x-16x = -8 + 3
3. reduce each side to a single thing: 2x = -5
4. divide both sides by the 2: x = -2.5

Concur with above answers.

You are trying to get the "x's" to one side and numbers to the other.

To help get concept try generating your own equations starting with the answer.

Say x=4, then

2x + 3 = 2*4 +3 = 8+3=11

you could also get to 11 by the equation

3x -1 = 3*4 -1=11

So, when x=4, then 2x+3=3x-1

Now "solve" it to get your "answer" of x=4!!

Hope this isn't as confusing as it now looks, but I always confirmed my understanding of algebra by substituting numbers!

Thank you all so much for answering. He is now currently working through the other questions. He tried to get me to ask the answers to the other 9 questions. :)