The sum of x and 10 equals the sum of 2 times x and 12 The sum of x and 10 means we add 10 to x: x + 10 2 times x means we multiply x by 2: 2x the sum of 2 times x and 12 means we add 12 to 2x: 2x + 12 The sum of x and 10 equals the sum of 2 times x and 12: x + 10 + (2x + 12) Distribute the parentheses, and we get: x + 10 + 2x + 12 Group like terms: (1 + 2)x + 10 + 12 3x + 22