Question

-4(x + 4) + 2x + 1 = -5

Explanation:

Step1: Expand the bracket

Using the distributive property \(a(b + c)=ab+ac\), we expand \(-4(x + 4)\) to get \(-4x-16\). So the equation becomes \(-4x - 16+2x + 1=-5\).

Step2: Combine like terms

Combine the \(x\)-terms: \(-4x+2x=-2x\), and the constant terms: \(-16 + 1=-15\). The equation is now \(-2x-15=-5\).

Step3: Isolate the \(x\)-term

Add 15 to both sides of the equation: \(-2x-15 + 15=-5 + 15\), which simplifies to \(-2x = 10\).

Step4: Solve for \(x\)

Divide both sides by \(-2\): \(\frac{-2x}{-2}=\frac{10}{-2}\), so \(x=-5\).

Answer:

\(x = -5\)