Question

Which set of steps can you use to solve three x minus two equals thirteen in two steps?

Subtract 2 from both sides. Then, divide both sides by 3.

Add 2 to both sides. Then, multiply both sides by 3.

Add 2 to both sides. Then, divide both sides by 3.

Subtract 2 from both sides. Then, multiply both sides by 3.

Answer 1

C

Answer 2

\[3x-2 = 13\]
Let's try them out:
subtract 2 from both sides:
\[3x-2-2 = 13-2\]\[3x-4=11\]That didn't help. Scratch choices A and D

\[3x-2=13\]
Add 2 to both sides:
\[3x-2+2=13+2\]\[3x=15\]Okay, that's promising.

Multiply both sides by 3:
\[3*3x=3*15\]\[9x=45\]That didn't help, scratch choice B.

Divide both sides by 3:
\[\frac{3x}{3} = \frac{15}{3}\]\[x=5\]That looks like a winner!