Answer:
x = 1
Step-by-step explanation:
For this problem, we are simply solving for x, and analyzing the results of the two students. First let's solve for x ourselves:
5 ( x + 3 ) = 20
5 ( x + 3 ) * ( 1 / 5 ) = 20 * ( 1 / 5)
x + 3 = 4
x + 3 + -3 = 4 + -3
x = 1
So we know the solution for this equation is x = 1.
Now let's look at the solutions of the two students. Alex's "divide first" way is correct since it follows the proper order of operations. The order of operations are simply a way in which to simplify problems correctly. Here is the order of things to handle first:
Parenthesis --> Exponents --> Multiplication (Division) --> Addition (Subtraction)
Looking at Morgan's "subtract first" way, we know that he has violated the order of operations. For this specific problem, the distributive property of multiplication is ignored in Morgan's approach, resulting in an incorrect answer.
I hope this helps.
Cheers.
