Question

(07.03 LC) The steps below show the incomplete solution to find the value of q for the equation 4q − 2q − 4 = −1 + 21: Step 1: 4q − 2q − 4 = −1 + 21 Step 2: 4q − 2q − 4 = 20 Step 3: 2q − 4 = 20 Which of these is most likely the next step?

Answer 1

2q-4=20 is the correct answer

Answer 2

3: 2q − 4 = 20

Explanation:

Solve for q:

2 q - 4 = 20

Add 4 to both sides:

2 q + (4 - 4) = 4 + 20

4 - 4 = 0:

2 q = 20 + 4

20 + 4 = 24:

2 q = 24

Divide both sides of 2 q = 24 by 2:

(2 q)/2 = 24/2

2/2 = 1:

q = 24/2

The gcd of 24 and 2 is 2, so 24/2 = (2×12)/(2×1) = 2/2×12 = 12:

Answer: q = 12