Question

Is this right? If not can someone explain why?

Answer 1

see below

Explanation:

10 = ax - 3b

We want to solve for x

Add 3b to each side

10+3b = ax-3b+3b

10 +3b = ax

Divide each side by a

10/a + 3b/a = ax/a

10/a + 3b/a =x

There is no x in the second term on the right to factor out

Answer 2

Hi there!

In the second step, there is no x in 3b to factor out.

In the second step, "x" is factored from ax - 3b which is incorrect.

In order to factor out a variable, both terms must contain "x". In this instance, however, 3b does not contain an "x" variable.

To properly solve, you would do:

10 = ax - 3b

Isolate the x variable:

10 - 3b = ax

Divide both sides by a:

(10 - 3b) / a = x.