Question

Emma begins to solve the equation -4.5x + 3 = 2 - 8.5x by adding 8.5x to each side of the equation. Which next step would result in the variable terms and constant terms being on different sides of the equals sign?

a
Subtract 3 from both sides.

b
Subtract 4x from both sides.

c
Add 4x to both sides.

d
Subtract 2 from both sides.

Answer 1

a

Subtract 3 from both sides.

Explanation:

-4.5x + 3 + 8.5x = 2 - 8.5x + 8.5x

4x + 3 = 2

4x + 3 - 3 = 2 - 3

4x = -1

Answer 2

A

Explanation:

After Emma adds 8.5x to both sides, our equation is now:

8.5x - 4.5x + 3 = 2

4x + 3 = 2

We want to isolate the variable 4x and in order to do so, we must subtract 3 from both sides.

The answer is A.