Question

Choose the answer based on the most efficient method as presented in the lesson.

If the first step in the solution of the equation -8 - 7x = -5x - 10 is "add 10," then what should the next step be?


add 7x

add 8

add 5x

Answer 1

add 7x

Explanation:

This would be the answer because if you have already added 10 to the right side of the equation and have erased the constant, you would then need to erase the variable on the other side to make it equal. The variable on the other side is 7x, which gives you the answer.

Answer 2

The answer is add 7x.

Explanation:

When the first step is to add 10 to both sides :

`- 8 - 7x = - 5x - 10`

`- 8 - 7x + 10 = - 5x - 10 + 10`

`- 7x + 2 = - 5x`

Next, you have to add 7x to both sides to eliminate -7x on the left side :

`- 7x + 2 = - 5x`

`- 7x + 2 + 7x = - 5x + 7x`

`2 = 2x`