Question

One last question! so i am doing this equation 6x-5=8x+2 but as I am doing it I got 7/-2 but in my answer key both are negative? what am I doing wrong?

this is what I have so far
6x-5=8x+2
6x-8x=5+2
-2x=7

Answer 1

6x - 5 = 8x + 2

or -5-2 = 8x-6x

or -7 = 2x

or -7 / 2 = x

this is correct answer because in fraction form if one number is negative whole fraction is negative

Answer 2

Hey there!

IF YOUR EQUATION IS:

6x - 5 = 8x + 2
THEN:

SUBTRACT 8x to BOTH SIDES

6x - 5 - 8x = 8x + 2 - 8x

SIMPLIFY IT!

-2x - 5 = 2

ADD 5 to BOTH SIDES

-2x - 5 + 5 = 2 + 5

SIMPLIFY IT!
-2x = 2 + 5

-2x = 7

DIVIDE -2 to BOTH SIDES

-2x/-2 = 7/-2

SIMPLIFY IT!
x = -7/2

The step you had a partial mistake was step 2 because that’s not what had to simplify to get the 7/-2. You should’ve converted your equation to: -2x - 5 = 2 (as I put for STEP 1.1) but your overall result is correct x DOES equal to 7/-2.

Good luck on your assignment and enjoy your day!

~Amphitrite1040:)