Question

1. 17 = x - 3(x + 1)

Explanation:

Step1: Expand the right side

Using the distributive property \(a(b + c)=ab+ac\), we expand \(-3(x + 1)\) to get \(-3x-3\). So the equation becomes \(17=x - 3x-3\).

Step2: Combine like terms

Combine \(x\) and \(-3x\) on the right side. \(x-3x=-2x\), so the equation is \(17=-2x - 3\).

Step3: Add 3 to both sides

Add 3 to each side of the equation: \(17 + 3=-2x-3 + 3\), which simplifies to \(20=-2x\).

Step4: Divide by -2

Divide both sides by \(-2\): \(\frac{20}{-2}=\frac{-2x}{-2}\), so \(x=-10\).

Answer:

\(x = - 10\)