18. What is the value of \( x \) in the equation \( 13 x-2(x+4)=8 x+1 \) ? \( \begin{array}{lll}\text { A. } 1 & \text { B. } 2 & \text { C. } 3\end{array} \) \( \begin{array}{ll}\text { A. } 4\end{array} \) B

Let's solve the equation step by step: Starting with the equation: \[ 13x - 2(x + 4) = 8x + 1 \] Distributing the -2: \[ 13x - 2x - 8 = 8x + 1 \] Now combine like terms: \[ 11x - 8 = 8x + 1 \] Next, isolate \( x \): \[ 11x - 8x = 1 + 8 \] \[ 3x = 9 \] Finally, divide by 3: \[ x = 3 \] So the value of \( x \) is 3. If you're looking to apply this in real life, understanding how to balance equations can help in various situations, like figuring out quantities in cooking or making financial calculations. For example, if you are dividing ingredients while baking, balancing proportions can save you from creating a recipe disaster! When solving equations, one common mistake to avoid is not distributing properly or missing out on combining like terms. It's easy to overlook small details, so always review each step before moving forward. Keeping your work organized can help ensure that you catch these mistakes early!