5x − 8( 1 + 7x ) = −8

x = 0

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDASEquality Properties

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Define equation

5x - 8(1 + 7x) = -8

Step 2: Solve for x

Distribute -8:                              5x - 8 - 56x = -8Combine like terms:                  -51x - 8 = -8Isolate x term:                            -51x = 0Isolate x:                                     x = 0

Step 3: Check

Plug in x into the original equation to verify it is a solution.

Substitute in x:                    5(0) - 8(1 + 7(0)) = -8Multiply:                               0 - 8(1 + 0) = -8Add:                                      -8(1) = -8Multiply:                                -8 = -8

Here we see that -8 does indeed equal -8.

∴ x = 0 is a solution of the equation.