Step by step
The question
Question: solve 2(x + 3) = 10.
2(x + 3) = 10
1 Remove the 2
The 2 multiplies the whole bracket.
Easy way: remove the 2 first.
To remove times 2, we divide by 2.
We do it on both sides.
Why both sides?
The = sign means both sides are the same amount.
If we change only one side, they are not the same any more.
2 divided by 2 is 1.
So just the bracket is left.
10 divided by 2 is 5.
102 = 5
Now we have x + 3 = 5.
We don't need the bracket any more.
x + 3 = 5
2 Remove the + 3
We want x by itself.
The + 3 is in the way.
To remove + 3, we take away 3.
We do it on both sides, so they stay equal.
x + 3 − 3 = 5 − 3
+ 3 and − 3 make zero.
Cross them out.
5 − 3 = 2.
5 − 3 = 2
So x = 2!
x = 2
3 Check
Let's check: put 2 in place of x.
Check: 2(2 + 3) = 2(5) = 10
We get 10, the same as the right side.
So x = 2 is right!
Let's look back.
First: remove the 2.
Then: remove the + 3.
Last: check.
Answer
x = 2