Question

Liza needs help to solve this linear equation.

4(x – 5) + 2x = 9x – 2(4 + 2x)

She has completed two steps, but now she’s stuck. Examine her work.

1. 4x - 20 + 2x = 9x - 8 - 4x

2. 6x - 20 = 5x - 8

What could be the next step?

Answer 1

The next step is to simplify the equation further by combining like terms. In the given equation, 6x - 20 = 5x - 8, we can start by moving all the variables to one side and the constants to the other side.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next step is to simplify the equation further by combining like terms. In the given equation, 6x - 20 = 5x - 8, we can start by moving all the variables to one side and the constants to the other side. To do this, subtract 5x from both sides:

6x - 5x - 20 = 5x - 5x - 8

Simplifying the equation gives:

x - 20 = -8

To isolate the variable x, we need to get rid of the constant term -20. To do this, add 20 to both sides:

x - 20 + 20 = -8 + 20

Finally, simplifying the equation further gives:

x = 12