Solve for x: 7 (x - 2) = 5 (x + 4)

7 (x-2) = 5 (x+4)

7x-14=5x+20

7x-5x=20+14

2x=34

x=17

7 (x - 2) = 5 (x + 4)

Multiply the first bracket by 7

(7) (x) = 7x

(7) (-2) = -14

Multiply the second bracket by 5

(5) (x) = 5x

(5) (4) = 20

7x-14=5x+20

Move 5x to the other side. Sign changes from - 5x to + 5x.

7x-5x-14=5x-5x+20

7x-5x-14=20

2x-14=20

2x-14+14=20+14

2x=34

Divide both sides by 2

2x/2=34/2

Answer: x=17