Question

When solving negative one over five (x − 25) = 7, what is the correct sequence of operations?

Answer 1

Multiply each side by -5, then add 25 to each side.

Answer 2

Answer: Multiply each side by −5, add 25 to each side

Step-by-step explanation:

Given expression: $\frac{-1}{5}(x-25)=7$

According to the BODMAS (bracket, of, divide, multiply, add, subtract), to solve for x, we need to first multiply -5 on both sides, we get

$x-25=7\times-5\\\Rightarrow x-25=-35$

Now, add 25 on both sides, we get

$x-25+25=7+25\\\Rightarrow\ x=32$

Hence, the correct sequence of operations is "Multiply each side by −5, add 25 to each side".