1.5(x+4)-3 = 4.5(x-2)
first step is distribute what is in parenthesis on both sides:
1.5x + 6 -3 = 4.5x - 9
combine like terms on the left side:
1.5x+3 = 4.5x -9
subtract 1.5x from both sides:
3 = 3x-9
add 9 to each side:
12 = 3x
divide both sides by 3
x = 12/3
x = 4