Algebra Examples

$a x - 4 (3 + 2 x) = - 12$

Step 1

Simplify each term.

Tap for more steps...

Step 1.1

Apply the distributive property.

$a x - 4 \cdot 3 - 4 (2 x) = - 12$

Step 1.2

Multiply $- 4$ by $3$ .

$a x - 12 - 4 (2 x) = - 12$

Step 1.3

Multiply $2$ by $- 4$ .

$a x - 12 - 8 x = - 12$

Step 2

Move all terms not containing $a$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 2.1

Add $12$ to both sides of the equation.

$a x - 8 x = - 12 + 12$

Step 2.2

Add $8 x$ to both sides of the equation.

$a x = - 12 + 12 + 8 x$

Step 2.3

Add $- 12$ and $12$ .

$a x = 0 + 8 x$

Step 2.4

Add $0$ and $8 x$ .

$a x = 8 x$

Step 3

Divide each term in $a x = 8 x$ by $x$ and simplify.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.1

Divide each term in $a x = 8 x$ by $x$ .

$\frac{a x}{x} = \frac{8 x}{x}$

Step 3.2

Simplify the left side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $x$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{a x}{x} = \frac{8 x}{x}$

Step 3.2.1.2

Divide $a$ by $1$ .

$a = \frac{8 x}{x}$

Step 3.3

Simplify the right side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.3.1

Cancel the common factor of $x$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.3.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$a = \frac{8 x}{x}$

Step 3.3.1.2

Divide $8$ by $1$ .

$a = 8$