MaryJo decided to solve the equation 3x-2 = - x-6 by entering each of the expressions into her graphing calculator. To solve the equation as a system, she entered y1 = 3x-2 and y2 = - x-6. When she used the calculator to find the intersection, she found x = - 1 and y = - 5. Show the work to check to see if MaryJo found the correct solution for x to the linear equation.

Note that the problem states that you only need to check the solution she got for x ... so we don't have to worry about y in this case. (YAY)

To verify MaryJo's answer, simply solve the equation for x:

3x - 2 = - x - 6

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

4x - 2 = - 6

4x - 2 ( + 2) = - 6 ( + 2)

4x = - 4

4x/4 = - 4/4

x = - 1

Since this conforms to MaryJo's answer, she did indeed find the correct solution for x.