Question

-3x + -2 = -17
-2x - 8 = -4

Explanation:

Step1: Solve \(-3x + (-2) = -17\)

First, add 2 to both sides of the equation to isolate the term with \(x\).
\(-3x + (-2) + 2 = -17 + 2\)
Simplifying both sides, we get \(-3x = -15\).
Then, divide both sides by \(-3\):
\(\frac{-3x}{-3} = \frac{-15}{-3}\)
So, \(x = 5\).

Step2: Solve \(-2x - 8 = -4\)

First, add 8 to both sides of the equation:
\(-2x - 8 + 8 = -4 + 8\)
Simplifying both sides, we get \(-2x = 4\).
Then, divide both sides by \(-2\):
\(\frac{-2x}{-2} = \frac{4}{-2}\)
So, \(x = -2\).

Answer:

For \(-3x + (-2) = -17\), \(x = 5\); for \(-2x - 8 = -4\), \(x = -2\)