Question

Which statement explains whether w = 8 is a solution to the equation 5 + w = 58?

A. w = 8 is a solution because 5 + 8 = 58.
B. w = 8 is NOT a solution because 5 + 8 = 58.
C. w = 8 is a solution because 5 + 8 = 13.
D. w = 8 is NOT a solution because 5 + 8 = 13

Answer 1

Answer: D. w = 8 is NOT a solution because 5 + 8 = 13

In other words, replace each copy of w with 8. Then simplify both sides until you get a single number on both sides. If we get the same number on both sides, then we confirm it's a solution. Otherwise, it's not a solution.

So,

5 + w = 58

5 + 8 = 58

13 = 58

The last equation is false, so the first equation is false when w = 8. This confirms that w = 8 is NOT a solution.