Solve College Algebra: Unlocking the Mystery of Linear Equations

When faced with equations like 4(x – 1) = 3(2x + 1), you might think, "Why am I even struggling with this?" Don’t sweat it! Let’s break it down together.

First off, expanding the brackets on both sides gives us 4x - 4 = 6x + 3. Sounds straightforward, right? But let's keep going. It’s important to isolate the variable terms on one side. By subtracting 6x from both sides, we're left with -2x - 4 = 3. You can almost hear those gears turning in your head. Now, adding 4 to both sides gives us -2x = 7.

So don't let those tricky numbers deter you! When dividing both sides by -2, you end up with x = -3.5 or, if you want to keep it simple, -7/2. Ah, the beauty of algebra—it’s all about finding that balance.

Now, let’s take a breather. One may ask, why do we even care about equations like this? It's not just about passing the exam; understanding these equations lays the groundwork for advanced math concepts you might encounter later on, whether you're into engineering, physics, or any field that uses math.

Now back to our options:

• A. -2: If we substitute it back in, we get 4(-2 - 1) = 3(2(-2) + 1), leading to -4 = -6, which doesn’t hold true. Nope!
• B. -1: This one's easy to dismantle too—plug it back in, and you’ll find that it doesn’t check out either.
• C. 1: Investigating this option might seem promising, but substituting gives us discrepancies as well.
• D. 2: Once again, if you try plugging this back, it’ll crumble down.

Feeling a bit lost? You're not alone! That’s all part of the journey in mastering College Algebra. Every mistake? Just a stepping stone toward understanding.

So, bottom line? Practice is key! Solve a variety of equations, and soon enough, you’ll find that linear equations will become second nature. Check out various resources and CLEP prep materials to arm yourself with all the tools you need. Trust me; you’ll emerge victorious, wielding your math sword with confidence, ready to face any challenge in your academic venture!