How many solutions does the following equation have? 3 (x + 5) = - 4x + 8

To find the answer, we need to solve the equation to find x. To do this, we need to move the like terms to one side, and the rest of the terms to the other. But first, we need to distribute the 3 to both pieces of the left hand side of the equation.

3x+15=-4x+8

Subtract - 4x from each side (essentially adding 4x to each side to move it over).

3x+4x+15=8

Now, we should move the 15 over by doing the same thing.

3x+4x=8-15

We can combine like terms to further simplify.

7x=7

Finally, to get x by itself, we divide both sides by 7, because that is what is remaining on the left side (that isn't x).

x=1

The equation has one solution: x=1