The equation can be solved using the steps shown below. 2(5x−20)−15−8x=7 2(5x)−2(20)−15−8x=7 (Apply the distributive property.) 10x−40−15−8x=7 (Multiply.) 2x−55=7 (Combine like terms.) 2x=62 (Add 55 to both sides of the equation.) x=31 (Divide both sides of the equation by 2.)