Solve Linear Equations with Parentheses
Using the Distributive Law

Tutorials with detailed solutions and matched exercises on solving linear equations with parentheses are presented. Detailed solutions and explanations ( in red) are provided. Parentheses are eliminated from the equation by using the distributive law in algebra used as follows.

a ( b + c) = a × b + a × c
where a, b and c are real numbers or variables.

Examples with Solutions

Example 1

Solve the linear equation
- 2(x + 3) = x + 6

Solution to Example 1

Matched Exercise 1:

Solve the linear equation
- 3(-x +3) = x - 7

Example 2

Solve the linear equation
-3(-x - 6) = 3x - 23

Solution to Example 2

Matched Exercise 2:

Solve linear the equation
4(-x +3) = -4x - 7

Example 3

Solve the linear equation
-7(x - 6) - 3x - 3 = 3(x + 5) - 2x

Solution to Example 3

Matched Exercise 3:

Solve the equation
-5(x - 4) - x + 23 = 5(x - 5) - x

Example 4

Solve the linear equation
-2(x - 6) / 7 - (x - 3) / 2 = - x

Solution to Example 4

Matched Exercise 4:

Solve the equation
-3(x + 4)/4 - x - 2 = (x - 4)/3 - x

More references and links

on how to Solve Equations, Systems of Equations and Inequalities.