PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 479: Answer and Explanation

Question: 479

If 8(2 – x) = 10 – 5(x + 3), what is the value of x?

• A. 1
• B.
• C. 7
• D.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks for the value of a variable in an equation. Begin by distributing the terms in front of the parentheses on both sides to get 16 – 8x = 10 – 5x – 15. This simplifies to 16 – 8x = – 5x – 5. Gather like terms by adding 5x to both sides to get 16 – 3x = –5, then subtracting 16 from both sides to get –3x = –21. Divide both sides by –3 to get x = 7. The correct answer is (C).