Question

Samantha claims that 4x + 2 is equivalent to the expression x + 17 + 3x − 15. Check whether Samantha’s equivalent expression is correct using x = 2

Answer 1

Samantha is correct because when using x = 2, the resulting values in both expressions are equal.

Explanation:

x + 17 + 3x - 15

Collecting terms gives

x + 3x + 17 - 15 = 4x + 2.

Answer 2

Samantha is correct

Explanation:

4(2) + 2 = 10

2 + 17 + 3(2) - 15 = 10

both are equal to 10 and are therefore equivalent expressions.