The year is 2033, and intelligent life has been found on Mars! Little green Martians have found their way to Earth and have appointed you as the Ultimate Math Ambassador to their planet. You must help them understand how Earthlings use math.

Two Martians, Splott and Fizzle, have solved the equation 2x + 4 = –3x + 14. Examine the work of Splott and Fizzle. Identify any errors in the Martians’ calculations and explain, using complete sentences, what corrections they should make.

Splott Fizzle
2x + 4 = –3x + 14 2x + 4 = –3x + 14
2x + 4 + 3x = –3x + 14 + 3x 2x + 4 – 2x

Question

The year is 2033, and intelligent life has been found on Mars! Little green Martians have found their way to Earth and have appointed you as the Ultimate Math Ambassador to their planet. You must help them understand how Earthlings use math.

    Two Martians, Splott and Fizzle, have solved the equation 2x + 4 = –3x + 14. Examine the work of Splott and Fizzle. Identify any errors in the Martians’  calculations and explain, using complete sentences, what corrections they should make.

    Splott 	Fizzle
    2x + 4 = –3x + 14 	2x + 4 = –3x + 14
    2x + 4 + 3x = –3x + 14 + 3x 	2x + 4 – 2x