Question

match each equation with a step to write an equivalent equation that leaves the fewest steps to solve for x. add 3x to both sides. distribute - 3. divide both sides by 7. subtract 3x from both sides. 5 - 3(x + 7)=3x - 5 - 3x = 7x - 7 = 7x 7 + 3x = 7x

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze $5 - 3(x + 7)=3x$

To simplify, we first distribute - 3 to remove the parentheses. So we use "Distribute - 3".

Step2: Analyze $-5-3x = 7x$

We want to combine like - terms. Adding $3x$ to both sides will help us get all $x$ terms on one side. So we use "Add $3x$ to both sides".

Step3: Analyze $-7 = 7x$

To solve for $x$, we need to isolate $x$. Dividing both sides by 7 will give us the value of $x$. So we use "Divide both sides by 7".

Step4: Analyze $7 + 3x=7x$

We want to combine like - terms. Subtracting $3x$ from both sides will help us get all $x$ terms on one side. So we use "Subtract $3x$ from both sides".

Answer:

$5 - 3(x + 7)=3x$: Distribute - 3.
$-5-3x = 7x$: Add $3x$ to both sides.
$-7 = 7x$: Divide both sides by 7.
$7 + 3x=7x$: Subtract $3x$ from both sides.