An equation and the steps to solve it are shown below: Step 1: 4x - 5x - 2 = 4 Step 2: x - 2 = 4 Step 3: x - 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 Step 4: x = 6 In which step was the error made and why?

Question

Mathematics

Emilie Shannon

11 March, 16:16

An equation and the steps to solve it are shown below: Step 1: 4x - 5x - 2 = 4 Step 2: x - 2 = 4 Step 3: x - 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 Step 4: x = 6 In which step was the error made and why?

+4

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Terrance Nixon · Answer 1

The error comes between steps 1 and 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we combine the like terms of 4x and - 5x, then we get a - x. The problem above shows a positive x, which is incorrect.

Peterson · Answer 2

In Step 2 an error was made, for the person solving this problem added the like terms incorrectly. If you are to subtract 5x (or add - 5x) from (to) 4x, you would get the answer of - x or - 1x. Therefore, the equation would be - x - 2 = 4.