9(x - 4) - 8 = 5x
First, distribute so that you can expand it easier.
\((9)(x) + (9)(-4) - 8 = 5x\)
Second, the first two parentheses combine to make '9x'.
\(9x + (9)(-4) - 8 =5x\)
Third, multiply 9 × 4 to get 36.
\(9x - 36 - 8 = 5x\)
Fourth, add '36 - 8' to get 44.
\(9x - 44 = 5x\)
Fifth, subtract '9x' from both sides.
\(-44 = 5x - 9x\)
Sixth, subtract '5x - 9x' to get '-4x'.
\(-44 = -4x\)
Seventh, divide both sides by '-4'.
\(\frac{-44}{-4} =x\)
Eighth, change the fraction into a negative.
\(\frac{44}{4} =x\)
Ninth, 44 ÷ 4 = 11, so simplify your fraction to 11 and switch sides.
\(x = 11\)
Answer: x = 11
