Question

The table shows the solution to the equation |2x - 5| - 2 = 3:

Step 1 |2x - 5| = 3 + 2
Step 2 |2x - 5| = 5
Step 3 2x - 5 = 5 or 2x - 5 = -5
Step 4 2x = 10 or 2x = 0
Step 5 x = 5 or x = 0

Which is the first incorrect step?

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Solution is correct

Answer 1

Try solving this Q yourself. I'll help you out wherever you need it.

Answer 2

I don't think any are.

Answer 3

So you think it's D?

Answer 4

I think so.

Answer 5

Let's see… (Give me 2 mins to solve it and show you)

Answer 6

okay :)

Answer 7

Clear the absolute-value bars by splitting the equation into its two cases, one for the Positive case and the other for the Negative case.

The Absolute Value term is |2x-5|

For the Negative case we'll use -(2x-5)

For the Positive case we'll use (2x-5)

Answer 8

Is everything clear so far?

Answer 9

yes!

Answer 10

Solve the Negative Case

-(2x-5) = 5

Multiply
-2x+5 = 5

Rearrange and Add up
-2x = 0

Divide both sides by 2
-x = 0

Multiply both sides by (-1)
x = 0
Which is the solution for the Negative Case

Answer 11

Distribution is aka Multiply

Answer 12

Solve the Positive Case

(2x-5) = 5

Rearrange and Add up
2x = 10

Divide both sides by 2
x = 5

Which is the solution for the Positive Case

Answer 13

Clear?

Answer 14

Yes!

Answer 15

Wrap up the solution

x=0 x=5

Answer 16

So, your initial answer is correct! Anything you'd like me to explain more for?

Answer 17

Nope, u made it crystal clear.

Answer 18

Awesome to know! :)

Answer 19

Just follow the steps in the problem.
Every step is correct, so there are no mistakes.
I don't see the reason to complicate this problem.