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Ms. Burton solves the equation as shown. In which step does Burton make

her first error? 1- 4x = 2/3(-2+x)
Step 1:1- 4x = -4/3+x
Step 21 = -4/3 + 5x
Step 3:713 = 54
Step 47/15 = x

User Ryan Kozak
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1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Ms. Burton's first error occurs in Step 1 when incorrectly distributing 2/3 acoss the parentheses. The correct distribution should result in 4x = -4/3 + 2/3x.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves identifying the step in which an error first occurs in solving a linear equation. After reviewing the steps provided, it appears that Ms. Burton's first error is made in Step 1 where she distributes the 2/3 incorrectly across the parentheses. Instead of 4x = -4/3 + x, it should be 4x = -4/3 + 2/3x after proper distribution. Clearly, in the student's context, Ms. Burton should be approaching the equation 4x = 2/3(-2+x) with care to distribute correctly. When solving linear equations, it's crucial to apply the distributive property accurately to help isolate the variable and solve for x.

User Prashant Barve
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