10 (x + 2) = 5 (x + 8)
First, we can start off by dividing each side by 5. Each side usually meaning, the whole number in front of the parentheses, in simpler words. 10 ÷ 5 = 2 and 5 ÷ 5 = 1, which can be represented as a variable (x).
[tex]2(x + 2) = x + 8[/tex]
Second, we can now expand our problem. Basically, remove parentheses. We're focusing on the left side of the problem right now, so to expand 2(x + 2), we could combine 2 and the variable to create 2x, and multiply 2 times 2, which equals 4.
[tex]2x + 4 = x + 8[/tex]
Third, our next step is to subtract 4 from each side. Now all we are trying to do is get the variable to equal something by itself.
[tex]2x = x + 8 - 4[/tex]
Fourth, let's simplify the right side of the problem now. x + 8 - 4, we would start of by subtracting 8 - 4, which equals 4 and leave the variable alone.
[tex]2x = x + 4[/tex]
Fifth, subtract the variable (x) from each side. You will get the problem to look like: 2x - x = 4. We can now simplify 2x - x, which equals x.
[tex]x = 4[/tex]
Answer: [tex]\fbox {x = 4}[/tex]
