Question

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

5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 17:

Step 1: 5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 17
Step 2: 5x − 2x − 3 = 15
Step 3: 3x − 3 = 15

Which of these is most likely the next step?

3x = 5
3x = 12
3x = 18
3x = 45

Answer 1

Hi there!

The next step is most likely the following:
3x = 18

This is because you add up 3 on both sides on the equation.

Answer 2

Next step would be 3x=18

Explanation:

We have given some steps to find the value of value of x and we have to evaluate the next step.

Step 3 is given by

`3x-3=15`

3 is in subtraction with 3x. Hence, in order to get rid of 3 from the left hand side, we can do the reverse operation of subtraction.

The reverse operation of subtraction is addition.

Hence, add 3 to both sides of the equation.

`3x=15+3\\3x=18`

Thus, the next step would be 3x=18