Question

An equation and the steps to solve it are shown below:

2x - one over four (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

Answer 1

Step 1 was the error

\[\large 2x - \frac{1}{4}(12x + 4) = 3\]

when you distribute the -1/4 you would get negatives as the result

Answer 2

thank you