Question

Malloy solved the equation −5x − 16 = 8; his work is shown below. Identify the error and where it was made.

−5x − 16 = 8
Step 1: −5x − 16 + 16 = 8 + 16
Step 2: −5x = 24
Step 3: negative five times x over five = twenty-four over five
Step 4: x = twenty-four over five

Step 1: He should have subtracted 16 from each side.
Step 1: He should have divided both sides by −5.
Step 3: He should have multiplied both sides by −5.
Step 3: He should have divided both sides by −5.

Answer 1

@Michele_Laino

Answer 2

If you tried solving this, can you show me how you would solve it?

Answer 3

t would pretty much point out the error in the problem.

Answer 4

hint:
If I divide both sides of this equation:
-5x=24, by 5, I get this:
\[ \Large - x = \frac{{24}}{5}\]

Answer 5

and I don't get:
\[\Large x = \frac{{24}}{5}\]

Answer 6

i think its this one:
Step 3: He should have divided both sides by −5.

Answer 7

yes!