Question

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

3x - one over two (8x - 2) = 4

Step 1: 3x - 4x + 1 = 4
Step 2: x + 1 = 4
Step 3: x + 1 - 1 = 4 - 1
Step 4: x = 3

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 numbers have been added to both sides of the equation

No error was made

Answer 1

Step 2, because the terms have been added incorrectly

3x-4x does not equal x
3x-4x equals -x