Let's analyze Brian's steps in solving the equation $-4g + 11 = 5$ and determine where he made his first mistake:

Problem Statement:

Solve the equation: $-4g + 11 = 5$.

Brian's Work and Steps:

1. Step 1: Subtract 11 from both sides: $-4g + 11 - 11 = 5 - 11$ Result: $-4g = -6$.
   ✅ This step is correct.

2. Step 2: Divide both sides by $-4$: $\frac{-4g}{-4} = \frac{-6}{-4}$ Result: $g = \frac{-6}{-4}$.
   ❌ Mistake here: The division is incorrect. The negative signs cancel out, so: $g = \frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2}$ Instead, Brian wrote $g = -\frac{3}{2}$, which is incorrect.

First Incorrect Step: Step 2

Brian’s error occurs when dividing by $-4$, as he fails to simplify the signs correctly.

Would you like me to explain the correction process in more detail?

Five Related Questions:

1. Why does dividing by a negative number reverse the signs of both sides of the equation?
2. How can you verify your solution is correct after solving an equation?
3. What are the common mistakes students make when dividing by negative numbers?
4. How would this equation change if the sign of the constant term ($+11$) was reversed?
5. Can this equation be solved using a different method, such as graphing or substitution?

Tip:

Always double-check your signs when performing operations involving negative numbers to avoid simple errors like this one.