Distribute the 3 to both x and 2
3(x + 2) = 3x + 6
3x + 6 + 2x = -4
Combine like terms
(3x + 2x) + 6 = -4
5x + 6 = -4
Isolate the x. Note the equal sign. What you do to one side, you do to the other. Subtract 6 from both sides
5x + 6 (-6) = -4 (-6)
5x = -4 - 6
5x = -10
Divide 5 from both sides
5x = -10
5x/5 = -10/5
x = -10/5
x = -2
-2 is your answer for x
hope this helps
