Exercise 5 Page 271

To solve an equation, we should first gather all of the variable terms on one side and all of the constant terms on the other side using the Properties of Equality. In this case, we need to start by using the Distributive Property to simplify the left-hand side of the equation.

- 4(1.75 + x) = 18

Distr

Distribute - 4

- 4(1.75) - 4x = 18

Multiply

Multiply

- 7 - 4x = 18

Now, we can continue to solve using the Properties of Equality.

- 7 - 4x = 18

AddEqn

LHS+7=RHS+7

- 7 - 4x + 7 = 18 + 7

AddTerms

Add terms

- 4x = 25

DivEqn

.LHS /- 4.=.RHS /- 4.

- 4x/- 4 = 25/- 4

MoveNegDenomToFrac

Put minus sign in front of fraction

- 4x/- 4 = - 25/4

CalcQuot

Calculate quotient

x = - 6.25

The solution to the equation is x=- 6.25.