- Distribute the terms on both sides of the equation: \(3x - 12 + 2 = x + 2x - 10\).
- Simplify both sides to get the identical expression: \(3x - 10 = 3x - 10\).
- Recognize that this equation is an identity, meaning it holds true for any real number \(x\).
- The solution is all real numbers, denoted as \(\boxed{\text{all real numbers}}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Equation
The given equation is \(3(x - 4) + 2 = x + 2(x - 5)\). We want to determine the value of \(x\) that satisfies this equality. To do this, we simplify both sides of the equation by applying the distributive property, which allows us to multiply the terms inside the parentheses by the coefficient outside. After expanding, we will collect like terms to see if a single solution for \(x\) exists or if the equation holds for all values.
- Simplifying the Equation
First, we expand the left side of the equation:
\[3(x - 4) + 2 = 3 \cdot x - 3 \cdot 4 + 2 = 3x - 12 + 2.\]
Combining the constant terms \(-12\) and \(+2\), we get:
\[3x - 10.\]
Next, we expand the right side of the equation:
\[x + 2(x - 5) = x + 2 \cdot x - 2 \cdot 5 = x + 2x - 10.\]
Combining the like terms \(x\) and \(2x\), we get:
\[3x - 10.\]
Thus, the equation simplifies to:
\[3x - 10 = 3x - 10.\]
- Conclusion for the Solution
We have arrived at the result \(3x - 10 = 3x - 10\). This statement is an identity, meaning it is true for any real number \(x\). If we were to subtract \(3x\) from both sides, we would get \(-10 = -10\), which is always true regardless of the value of \(x\). Therefore, the equation has infinitely many solutions; any real number is a valid solution. We can express this as \(x \in \mathbb{R}\) or all real numbers.
Examples
Imagine you are comparing two different payment plans for a service. Plan A charges a flat rate for a certain amount of service plus additional hourly fees, and Plan B does the same. If the calculations result in the same cost regardless of the hours used, you've found an identity where both plans are equivalent. This occurs when the base rates and the variable rates cancel out perfectly, proving that the plans offer the exact same value for any amount of usage.