Question

solve for x.
-3(-4x - 3) = -27
(1 point)
○ x = -2
○ x = 2
○ x = -3
○ x = 3

Explanation:

Step1: Distribute -3

Multiply -3 with each term inside the parentheses: $-3\times(-4x) + (-3)\times(-3) = -27$. This simplifies to $12x + 9 = -27$.

Step2: Subtract 9 from both sides

Subtract 9 from each side: $12x + 9 - 9 = -27 - 9$. This gives $12x = -36$.

Step3: Divide by 12

Divide both sides by 12: $\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{-36}{12}$. So, $x = -3$. Wait, no, wait, let's check again. Wait, original equation: $-3(-4x - 3) = -27$. Distribute: $12x + 9 = -27$. Subtract 9: $12x = -36$. Divide by 12: $x = -3$? Wait, but let's check the options. Wait, maybe I made a mistake. Wait, let's re - do:

Wait, $-3(-4x - 3)=-27$. Divide both sides by -3 first: $\frac{-3(-4x - 3)}{-3}=\frac{-27}{-3}$. So, $-4x - 3 = 9$. Then add 3 to both sides: $-4x - 3 + 3 = 9 + 3$. So, $-4x = 12$. Divide by -4: $x=\frac{12}{-4}=-3$. Wait, but the option is x = -3? Wait, the options are: x=-2, x = 2, x=-3, x = 3. So x=-3 is an option.

Wait, maybe my first step was correct. Let's verify by plugging x=-3 into the original equation:

Left - hand side: $-3(-4\times(-3)-3)=-3(12 - 3)=-3\times9=-27$, which is equal to the right - hand side (-27). So x=-3 is correct.

Answer:

x = -3 (corresponding to the option "x = -3")