Question

Given the equation 3x - 3 = 6x + 1, select the reasoning that correctly solves for x. Add 3, subtract 3x, then divide by -3. Add 3, subtract 6x, then divide by 3. Subtract 1, subtract 3x, then divide by 3. Subtract 1, subtract 6x, then divide by -3.

Answer 1

The best answer is: subtract 1, subtract 3x, then divide by 3.
Subtract 1 gives: 3x-4=6x
Subtract 3x gives: -4=3x
Divide by 3 gives: x=-4/3
None of the others work, because you either end up with the variable and the constant on the same side (can't isolate the variable!) or you end up with the wrong sign on the coefficient of the variable from what is stated (e.g., 2nd option).

Answer 2

The second option. Subtract 1, subtract 3x, then divide by 3