Final answer:
The correct method to solve the equation involves algebraic operations to isolate and solve for x or y. Malik's first error cannot be specifically identified without seeing his steps, but possibilities include incorrectly multiplying by 5/2, adding 240 instead of multiplying, or substituting 60 incorrectly.
Step-by-step explanation:
It seems there is a discrepancy between the equation Malik is solving and the information provided in the question. If Malik is solving the equation 2/5x - 4y = 60, then the correct process involves isolating the variable x or y by applying algebraic operations such as multiplication or division to both sides of the equation. The error that Malik made cannot be determined precisely without seeing the steps he took. However, we can discuss the typical steps for solving the given equation:
- First, you can isolate x by adding 4y to both sides of the equation.
- Then, to solve for x, multiply both sides by the reciprocal of 2/5, which is 5/2.
- Finally, simplify the equation to find the value of x.
If Malik's solution involved these steps and if there was an error in step 2, then it could be any of the following:
- Malik did not multiply 5/2 correctly by 2/5x resulting in an error.
- Malik added 240 incorrectly when he should have multiplied or divided.
- Malik substituted 60 for y instead of x incorrectly during the process of solving for x.
Without the specific steps Malik took, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact first error made. Clearing up this confusion by reviewing each step of Malik's calculation would help identify the mistake.