What?

Use the distributive property as the first step in solving these equations:

3(x - 5.2) + 7.8  =  14

3(x) - 3(5.2) + 7.8  =  14

3x - 15.6 + 7.8  =  14         Now, combine -15.6 and +7.8:

3x  - 7.8  =  14                   Now, add 7.8 to both sides:

3x  =  21.8                         Now, divide both sides by 3:

x  =  7.26666...

I'll show ya how to do the FIRST one:3(x-5.2) + 7.8 = 14

3x -15.6 + 7.8 = 14        ADD 15.6 and SUBTRACT 7.8 from both sides

3x = 14 +15.6-7.8

3x = 21.8    Divide both sides by 3

x = 21.8 /3  = 7.2667

 

Now YOU try the Second one !