How to Solve Equations with Brackets
Solving equations with brackets is easy.Question
Solve 2(x + 1) = 6.Method 1
Solve 2(x + 1) = 6 by expanding the brackets first.Step-by-Step:
1
Expand the brackets on the left-hand side of the equation.
Don't forget: Expand the brackets by multiplying each term inside the brackets with the term outside of it.
2(x + 1) = 2 × x + 2 × 1
2x + 2
2
Solve the equation.
| 2x + 2 = 6 | |
| 2x + 2 − 2 = 6 − 2 | Subtract 2 from both sides |
| 2x = 4 | |
| 2x ÷ 2 = 4 ÷ 2 | Divide both sides by 2 |
| x = 2 |
Answer:
The solution to 2(x + 1) = 6 is x = 2.Method 2
Solve 2(x + 1) = 6 by dividing by the number in front of the brackets.Step-by-Step:
1
Divide both sides by the term in front of the brackets (2).
2(x + 1) ÷ 2 = 6 ÷ 2
x + 1 = 3
2
Solve the equation.
| x + 1 = 3 | |
| x + 1 − 1 = 3 − 1 | Subtract 1 from both sides |
| x = 2 |
Answer:
The solution to 2(x + 1) = 6 is x = 2. Both methods give the same answer.
This page was written by Stephen Clarke.
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