Question

Describe and correct the error Cameron made when solving the equation

6x – 2(x – 5) = –2. Place an X next to the incorrect step and describe his error.
6x – 2(x – 5) = –2
6x – 2x – 10 = –2
4x – 10 = –2
4x – 10 + 10 = –2 + 10
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4x
4 =
__
8
4
x = 2

Answer 1

first step: sign error in application of the distributive property

Explanation:

6x – 2(x – 5) = –2 . . . given

6x – 2x – 10 = –2 . . . X -2(x -5) = -2x +10, not -10

Cameron made a sign error in application of the distributive property.

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The next steps should have been ...

`4x+10-10=-2-10\\\\4x=-12\\\\(4x)/(4)=(-12)/(4)\\\\x=-3`