1. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21

2. **DO NOT COMBINE THE 3 & - 5! ALWAYS DISTRIBUTE FIRST!!!**
3 – 5(x + 1) = 21

3. **Don’t forget, the negative goes with the 5**
3 – 5(x + 1) = 21

4. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
– 5x
Distribute the -5

5. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
– 5x – 5
Distribute the -5

6. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
3 – 5x – 5 = 21
Distribute the -5

7. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
3 – 5x – 5 = 21
– 5x – 2 = 21
Combine Like Terms

8. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
3 – 5x – 5 = 21
– 5x – 2 = 21
+2 +2
– 5x = 23
Do the inverse of -2

9. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
3 – 5x – 5 = 21
– 5x – 2 = 21
+2 +2
– 5x = 23
–5 –5
Do the inverse of times -5

10. 3 – 5(x + 1) = 21
3 – 5x – 5 = 21
– 5x – 2 = 21
+2 +2
– 5x = 23
–5 –5
x = 23
–5