Question

Jada and Priya are trying to solve the equation 2/3+x=4

Jada says, “I think we should multiply each side by 3/2 because that is the reciprocal of 2/3."
Priya says, “I think we should add -2/3 to each side because that is the opposite of 2/3."
1. Which person's strategy should they use?
2. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Priya is correct. Because 2/3 is being added to x and not multiplied, then subtracting 2/3 from both sides is the correct action.

Explanation:

Let's run through solving it that way:

2/3 + x = 4

2/3 - 2/3 + x = 4 - 2/3

0 + x = 4 - 2/3

x = 4 - 2/3

x = 10/3