Question

When solving -1/3 (x − 15) = −4, what is the correct sequence of operations?

1. Multiply each side by -1/3, subtract 15 from each side
2. Multiply each side by −3, add 15 to each side
3. Multiply each side by -1/3 , add 15 to each side
4. Multiply each side by 3, subtract 15 from each side

Answer 1

The correct sequence of operation is multiply each side by (-3), add 15 to each side.

Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

`(-1)/(3) (x - 15) = -4`

Multiply each side by -3

`(-3) * (-1)/(3) (x - 15) = -4 * (-3)`

`(x - 15) = 12`

Adding 15 to both sides

`x - 15 + 15 = 12 + 15`

x = 27.

So, the correct sequence of operation is multiply each side by (-3), add 15 to each side.

Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.