Question

Mai solved the equation below incorrectly. Identify Mai's error and then solve the equation correctly.

Answer 1

Answer: Please see explanation column for answer.

x= -36

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1

from the attachment, Mai's solving is given as

1/3 (1/2x- 9) = 1/2 (x+18)

1/6x-3= 1/2x+9

1/4x-3=9

1/4x=12

x=48

Mai's error started when he subtracted wrongly 1/2 x from 1/6x which gave him 1/4 x instead of - 1/3 x.

Solving correctly, we have that

1/3(1/2x-9) = 1/2(x+18)

1/6x -3= 1/2x+ 9

taking like terms to like terms

1/6x-1/2x= 9+3

(1-3)/6x= 12

-2/6x= 12

-1/3x= 12

multiplying both sides by -3

-1/3x X -3 = 12 X -3

x= -36