Question

what is a possible first step in solving for x in the equation -3x-5+2x=6?

a. subtract 6 both sides b. divide both sides by 6 c. divide both sides by -5 d. combine like terms

Answer 1

simplify....that is, -3x + 2x = -x
then the eqn becomes -x-5=6
then ad 5 to both sides to get, -x = 11
Ans. x=-11

Answer 2

Note that it asking for a "possible" first step.
I would combine similar terms first, getting:
-x-5=6 Then I would add 5 to both sides getting
-x=11 then multiply by -1 to change signs
x=-11