Question

An equation and the steps to solve it are shown below: Step 1: 4x – 5x – 2 = 4 Step 2: x – 2 = 4 Step 3: x – 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 Step 4: x = 6 In which step was the error made and why?

Answer 1

In Step 2 an error was made, for the person solving this problem added the like terms incorrectly. If you are to subtract 5x (or add -5x) from (to) 4x, you would get the answer of -x or -1x. Therefore, the equation would be -x - 2 = 4.

Answer 2

The error comes between steps 1 and 2.

Explanation:

When we combine the like terms of 4x and -5x, then we get a -x. The problem above shows a positive x, which is incorrect.