Question

Edward saw the equation 4x + 1 = 5x - 5. Using the steps, what was Edward's mistake?

Answer 1

Edward's mistake was not isolating the variable in the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Edward's mistake in this equation is that he did not isolate the variable. To solve the equation, Edward should have combined like terms on both sides of the equation and then moved the x terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side. Here are the correct steps to solve the equation:

1. Combine like terms: 4x - 5x = -5 - 1
2. -x = -6
3. Multiply both sides by -1 to isolate x: x = 6