Question

The steps below show the incomplete solution to find the value of x for the equation

5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 15:

Step 1: 5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 15
Step 2: 5x − 2x − 3 = 13
Step 3: 3x − 3 = 13

Which of these is most likely the next step?

3x = 16
3x = 10
3x = 39
3x = 3

Answer 1

3x = 16 you need to get 3x by itself so you can divide so add the 3 to the other side

Answer 2

3x - 3 = 13

The next step will be to add 3 to both sides:
3x - 3 + 3 = 13 + 3

⇒ 3x = 16

Answer: 3x = 16