Question

After the bank cashed a check Maureen wrote for $60, her balance was -$14.The equation b+(-60)=-14 can be used to represent this situation, where b is Maureen’s balance, in dollars, before the check was cashed. Maureen attempted to solve the equation using the steps below.

b+(-60)=-14
-60 -60
b =-74

What error, if any, did Maureen make?
Maureen’s work is correct, and her original balance was -$74.
Maureen should have added 60 to both sides.
Maureen should have added 14 to both sides.
Maureen made a computational error when she subtracted -14-60

Answer 1

Maureen should have added 60 to both sides.

Explanation:

In solving this equation, Maureen wants to cancel the -60 in order to get the variable, b, isolated.

To cancel a -60, we would add 60; this is because positive and negative numbers are opposites, and we use opposites to cancel.

Therefore she should have added 60 to each side.

Answer 2

we are given

`b+(-60)=-14`

Since, we have to solve for b

`b-60=-14`

so, we will isolate b ony one side

so, we will add 60 on both sides

`b-60+60=-14+60`

`b=-14+60`

`b=46`

so,

Answer:

Maureen should have added 60 to both sides.