SOLUTION: A classmate has just solved an equation without checking the answer. Unfortunately, the solution has several mistakes. Without redoing the entire problem, go through each step and

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Question 378399: A classmate has just solved an equation without checking the answer. Unfortunately, the solution has several mistakes. Without redoing the entire problem, go through each step and explain how the step was obtained. If the step is incorrect, explain why it’s an error and explain the correct procedure that should have been followed.
Original equation
7 + 3x + 2 = –2x + 4
10x + 2 = –2x + 4
8x + 2 = 4
8x = 2
x = 4

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Step 1:          7 + 3x + 2 = –2x + 4
Step 2:             10x + 2 = –2x + 4

In going from step 1 to step 2, the error was adding unlike terms
7 and 3x.  Step 2 should have been to combine the like terms 7 and 2
and get 9 + 3x = -2x + 4


Step 2:             10x + 2 = –2x + 4
Step 3:              8x + 2 = 4

In going from step 2 to step 3, the error was adding 2x to the right side
yet adding -2x to the left side terms.  If step 2 had been correct, Step 3
would have been to add 2x to the left side and get 12x + 2 = 4


Step 3:              8x + 2 = 4
Step 4:                  8x = 2

Going from step 3 to step 4 was correct, since -2 was added to both sides. 

Step 4:                  8x = 2
Step 5:                   x = 4

In going from step 4 to step 5, the error was in dividing 8 by 2 instead of
dividing 2 by 8.  If step 4 had been correct, Step 5 would have x = 
and then reduce  the fraction to x = .

Edwin


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