Question

Tina solved an equation incorrectly, as shown below:

Step 1: 8x = 24
Step 2: x = 24 − 8
Step 3: x = 16

Which statement best explains why Step 2 is incorrect in Tina's solution?

Answer 1

Step 2 should be division, not subtraction.

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDAS

1. Brackets
2. Parenthesis
3. Exponents
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Addition
7. Subtraction

• Left to Right

Equality Properties

Explanation:

Step 1: Define

8x = 24

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Divide both sides by 8: x = 3

We see that 8x is actually 8 times x. Therefore, we would need to use the Division Property of Equality to isolate x and get our answer.