Question

The steps below show the incomplete solution to find the value of x for the equation

5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 15:

Step 1: 5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 15
Step 2: 5x − 2x − 3 = 13
Step 3: 3x − 3 = 13

Which of these is most likely the next step?

3x = 16
3x = 10
3x = 39
3x = 3

Answer 1

The most likely step would be choice 1: 3x = 16 because in step 3, you should add 3 on both sides. So, 3's would cancel out on the left side and you solve for 13 + 3 = 16. Thus, the answer would be 3x - 16. Hope this helps :)