Question

In the equation 6x – 2 = –4x + 2, Spencer claims that the first step is to add 4x to both sides. Jeremiah claims that the first step is to subtract 6x from both sides. Who is correct? Explain

Answer 1

Sample Response: Both are correct. As long as inverse operations and the properties of equality are used properly, both methods will generate the same solution. They both isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

Answer 2

Spencer and Jeremiah both are correct

Explanation:

We have given an equation 6x-2 = -4x+2

In this case spencer and jeremiah both are correct whether we first subtract 6x from both sides or we add 4x to both sides will not lead to any incorrection we will get the same result after simplification from both the methods

If we subtract 6x from both sides we will get 6x-6x-2= -4x-6x+2 after simplification we will get -2 = -10x+2

After further simplification we will get x=4/10=2/5

And if we add 4x on both sides we will get 6x+4x-2= -4x+4x+2 after simplification we will get 10x -2 =2 which eventually gives the result

x=4/10=2/5

Therefore, Both are correct