Answer :

nashty
So, what we're doing here is solving for x. We must isolate x to find it's value.

Here's how:

17 = 12(x + 2) + 2x

First, we'll distribute the 12

17 = 12*x + 12*2 + 2x

17 = 12x + 24 + 2x

Combine like terms

17 = 14x + 24

Then, we'll subtract 24 from both sides.

17 - 24 = 14x + 24 - 24

-7 = 14x

Then, to isolate x, we'll divide both sides by 14

-7/14 = x

x = -1/2