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Solve the equation, if possible. -3(4z+5) = -15z - 20 + 3z.

a) z = -5
b) z = -3
c) z = 5
d) z = 3

User THN
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The algebraic equation -3(4z+5) = -15z - 20 + 3z simplifies to an inconsistent equation that suggests -15 = -20. Thus, the equation has no solution, and none of the options provided are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question requires solving the equation -3(4z+5) = -15z - 20 + 3z. First, we distribute the -3 within the parenthesis to get -12z - 15. Next, we combine like terms on the right side of the equation which becomes -12z - 15 = -12z.

We then attempt to isolate z on one side by adding 12z to both sides of the equation. However, we find that the z terms cancel out, leading to -15 = -20, which is not a true statement. This indicates that the equation has no solution.

Therefore, none of the provided options (a) z = -5, (b) z = -3, (c) z = 5, or (d) z = 3 is correct. The equation is inconsistent and demonstrates an impossible situation, also known as contradiction.

User Reema Q Khan
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