document.write( "Question 511464: the sum of 4 times a number and -2 is equal to the sum of 5 times the number and -2 \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #342221 by oberobic(2304) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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The answer depends on how you interpret the statements.
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "It could be:
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "4x +(-2) = 5x -2
\n" ); document.write( "4x -2 = 5x -2
\n" ); document.write( "4x = 5x
\n" ); document.write( "which is only true when x=0
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "But the equation could be:
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\n" ); document.write( "4x +(-2) = 5(x -2)
\n" ); document.write( "4x -2 = 5x -10
\n" ); document.write( "-x = -8
\n" ); document.write( "x = 8
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "check the answer
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\n" ); document.write( "4(8) -2 = 30
\n" ); document.write( "5(8-2) = 30
\n" ); document.write( "Correct.
\n" ); document.write( ".
\n" ); document.write( "Done. \n" ); document.write( "

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