Could someone please help me find x in this problem and explain how you got the answer?

2(3x - 1) = 5 - (x + 3)

I checked the answer I got in the back of my algebra book and it said the answer was 4/7 but my answer was wrong. How did they get 4/7 out of this?

2(3x - 1) = 5 - (x + 3)

First get rid of the parentheses.

6x - 2 = 5 - x - 3

Get all the numbers on one side and the x terms on the other.

6x + x = 5 - 3 + 2

Combine.

7x = 4

Now do you see how they got it?

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Oooooooooh I gotcha. So whenever you have a minus/negative sign on the outside of the parentheses it just makes the entire the negative? So there isn't any distribution on that part...?

Yes, there is distribution...

-2(x+y -3z)=-2x-2y+6z

Bob Pursley has explained it very well. I remember this by this rule: when a negative sign precedes the parentheses, simply change the sign of each sign inside the parentheses. In the case of nested parentheses, I work from the inside out. Remove the inner most set of parentheses (leaving the sign of each sign inside the set of parentheses as is if the preceding sign is + but changing each sign inside if the set is preceded by a negative sign). Then combine terms and repeat, removing the innermost set of parentheses and combining terms, etc. until all is finished.

That's a great way to remember it! Following the rule of changing the sign of each term inside the parentheses when a negative sign precedes it helps simplify expressions and solve equations. It's important to work from the inside out when dealing with nested parentheses to ensure proper distribution and simplification of terms. Keep practicing and you'll become even more comfortable with these types of problems!