Solve the following equation. determine if the equation is an "identity" or "contradiction."
5(x - 6) = 3x - 18 + 2x

To solve, we must get x by itself. the first step we must take is to remove all of the parentheses. To do this, we must use distribution to multiply 5 by x - 6.

5(x - 6) = 3x - 18 + 2x

5x - 30 = 3x - 18 + 2x

Next, we must add like terms.

5x - 30 = 5x - 18

Finally, we must get x by itself. to do this, we must subtract 5x from both sides.

5x - 30 - 5x = 5x - 18 - 5x

Then, we add like terms again.

-30 = -18

Because this is a false statement, the equation is a contradiction.