What are a couple ways to simplify 3(x-5)-4=17

Simplifying

3(x + -5) + -4 = 17

Reorder the terms:

3(-5 + x) + -4 = 17

(-5 * 3 + x * 3) + -4 = 17

(-15 + 3x) + -4 = 17

Reorder the terms:

-15 + -4 + 3x = 17

Combine like terms: -15 + -4 = -19

-19 + 3x = 17

Solving

-19 + 3x = 17

Solving for variable 'x'.

Move all terms containing x to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '19' to each side of the equation.

-19 + 19 + 3x = 17 + 19

Combine like terms: -19 + 19 = 0

0 + 3x = 17 + 19

3x = 17 + 19

Combine like terms: 17 + 19 = 36

3x = 36

Divide each side by '3'.

x = 12

Simplifying

x = 12