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Given the equation: -4(mx + 2) - (3x + 6) = 5x + b, what values of m and b make the equation true?

A) m = 5, b = -10.
B) m = 2, b = -8.
C) m = -1, b = 3.
D) m = -3, b = 6.

User Durandal
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1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

After simplifying the given equation, we find that for the equation to balance, m must equal -5/4 and b must equal -14. However, these values are not given in the options, indicating a possible error either in the equation provided or in the options listed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation -4(mx + 2) - (3x + 6) = 5x + b can be simplified to find the correct values of m and b that make the equation true. First, distribute the -4 into (mx + 2) and -1 into (3x + 6), resulting in -4mx - 8 - 3x - 6.

Next, combine like terms, resulting in -4mx - 3x - 8 - 6, which simplifies to -4mx - 3x - 14. Comparing this with the right side of the equation, 5x + b, for both sides to be equal -4m must be equal to 5 (the coefficient of x) and -14 should be equal to b (the constant term). For the equation to balance correctly, m = -5/4 and b = -14. However, these values are not included in the options provided, so it seems there is a mistake. None of the options (A, B, C, or D) will make the given equation true with the method used.

User Azawaza
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