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

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

anonymous · Answer

Step 2, because the terms have been added incorrectly 

3x-4x does not equal x
3x-4x equals -x