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Grade 7 maths · O.8 · One-step and two-step equations

Equations with parentheses and negative numbers

Distribute, or divide both sides by the number outside the parentheses first.

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See worked examples
  1. Solve for x: −5(x + 1) = 25

    Answer: -6

  2. Solve for x: −4(x + 5) = −32

    Answer: 3

  3. Solve for x: −3(x + 5) = 0

    Answer: -5

Tip: Distribute, or divide both sides by the number outside the parentheses first.

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