Question

Which should not be a step in solving 3x + 1 +2x = 2 + 4x

Answer 1

You do not add unlike terms. Only add like terms using the collect like terms method.

Explanation:

3x + 1 + 2x = 2 + 4x

Step 1 - Collect like terms:

(3x + 2x) + 1 = 2 + 4x

5x + 1 = 2 + 4x

Step 2 - Bring 5x to 4x side and 2 to the 1 side:

1 = 2 + 4x -5x

1 - 2 = 4x - 5x

Step 3 - Collect like terms again:

-1 = -1x

Step 4 - Divide -1 by -1 leaving the x alone on it's side:

-1/-1 = x

1 = x

Therefore, x = 1

Let's check:

3x + 1 +2x = 2 + 4x

3(1) + 1 + 2(1) = 2 + 4(1)

3 + 1 + 2 = 2 + 4

6 = 6

X equal to 1 is correct because it balances both sides.