Question

Mai and Tyler work on the equation 2/5 b + 1 = -11 together. Mai’s solution is b= -25 and Tyler’s is b = -28 Here is their work. Do you agree with those solutions?

Mai: Tyler:

2/5 b + 1 = -11 2/5 b + 1 = -11

2/5 b = -10 2b + 1 = -55

b = -10 • 5/2 2b = -56

b = - 25 b = -28

Answer 1

I disagree with both solutions. The value of b that will make the expression correct is -30

Explanation:

Given the equation solved my Mai and Tyler expressed as:

2/5 b + 1 = -11

We are to check the veracity of the solutions;

2/5 b + 1 = -11

Subtract 1 from both sides of the expression

2/5 b + 1 -1 = -11-1

2/5 b = -12

Cross multiply

2b = -12 * 5

2b = -60

Divide both sides by 2

2b/2 = -60/2

b = -30

Since the solution b = -25 and -28 does not tally with the gotten solution, I disagree with the both solutions