Question

Suzanne did this work to solve an equation did she make an error? X-5=3x-2-7-5x X-5=2x-9

Answer 1

Yes Suzanne made an error in solving the equation

Solution:

Given that Suzanne did this work to solve an equation did she make an error

Given equation: x - 5 = 3x - 2 - 7 - 5x

Equation by Suzanne: x - 5 = 2x - 9

Yes Suzanne has made error in solving the equation

As per original equation,

x - 5 = 3x - 2 - 7 - 5x

On the right hand side, when we combine like terms of "x" we get,

x - 5 = -2x -2 - 7

x - 5 = -2x - 9

But the Suzzane has got x - 5 = 2x - 9 which is wrong. Since she missed negative sign before 2

Rules for adding positive and negative numbers:

To add integers having the same sign, keep the same sign and add the absolute value of each number. To add integers with different signs, keep the sign of the number with the largest absolute value and subtract the smallest absolute value from the largest.

Correct form of solving:

x - 5 = -2x -2 - 7

x - 5 = -2x - 9