An equation and the steps to solve it are shown below:
2x - of (12x + 4) = 3
Step 1: 2x + 3x + 1 = 3
Step 2: 5x + 1 = 3
Step 3: 5x + 1 - 1 = 3 - 1
Step 4: 5x = 2
In which step was the error made and why?
Step 1, because incorrect signs have been used
Step 2, because the terms have been added incorrectly
Step 3, because a number has been subtracted from both sides of the equation
No error was made
I'm going to say, "Step 1, because incorrect signs have been used."
Here's my reasoning:
2x - 1/4 of (12x + 4) = 3 ---"of" means to multiply here
2x - 1/4*(12x+4) = 3 ---We do need to distribute the negative sign out. This is the same thing as
2x + (-1/4)*(12x+4) = 3
2x + (-3x -1) = 3
-x -1 = 3
x = 4
I'm going to say, "Step 1, because incorrect signs have been used."
Here's my reasoning:
2x - 1/4 of (12x + 4) = 3 ---"of" means to multiply here
2x - 1/4*(12x+4) = 3 ---We do need to distribute the negative sign out. This is the same thing as
2x + (-1/4)*(12x+4) = 3
2x + (-3x -1) = 3
-x -1 = 3
x = 4