How do I solve 17 (x+5) = 0

Use the distributive problem to distribute the 17 to the values in the parentheses. 17 (x + 5) = 0, 17x + 17 (5) = 0, 17x + 85 = 0. Subtract 85 from both sides of the equal sign. 17x = - 85. Divide both sides of the equal sign by 17, x = - 5.

Ok so if you ahve ab=0

assume a and b=0 because 0 times x=0

17 (x+5) = 0

17 is not equal to zero

therefor

x+5=0

minus 5

x=-5