Question

Consider the equation 4x + 1 = 2x + 5

(a) Why can't you determine whether this equation is true or false?

(b) If x= 3. Will the equation be true? How can you tell?

(c) Show that x = 2 makes the equation true.

Answer 1

(a) Without solving the equation we can't determine whether its true or false.

(b) If x = 3

4x + 1 = 2x + 5

4(3) + 1 = 2(3) + 5

12 + 1 = 15 + 5

13 = 20

No, if x = 3, the equation will not be true.

(c) 4x + 1 = 2x + 5

4x - 2x = 5 - 1

2x = 4

x = 4/2

x = 2

This shows that x = 2 makes the equation true.