Question

50 PONITS This model represents an equation. (a) Write an equation that could be used to solve x. (b) Solve the equation for x. Show your work.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) $5x-1=-6$

B) $x=-1$

Step-by-step explanation:

On the left, we have five (positive) Xs and one -1. So, we can represent the left with the expression $5x-1$.

On the right, we have six -1s. So, we can represent the right with the expression $-6$.

A)

Since the balance is balanced, we know that the two expressions are equal to each other. So, we can write the equation:

$5x-1=-6$

B)

Now, we can solve the equation for x. Add 1 to both sides:

$(5x-1)+1=(-6)+1$

The left will cancel. Add on the right:

$5x=-5$

Finally, divide both sides by 5:

$(5x)/5=(-5)/5$

The left side will cancel. So, the value of x is:

$x=-1$