Math Problem Statement

Sara-Mei is solving the equation 2x + 3 = 4(x − 3) − 2x + 12x + 3 = 4(x − 3) − 2x + 1. Her steps are shown below.  

2x + 3 = 4(x − 3) − 2x + 12x + 3 = 4(x − 3) − 2x + 1

2x + 3 = 4x − 12 −2x + 12x + 3 = 4x − 12 −2x + 1

2x + 3 = 2x − 112x + 3 = 2x − 11

2x − 2x = − 11 − 3 2x − 2x = − 11 − 3 

0 = −140 = −14

Which of the following should Sara-Mei conclude from her result?

A.She has made an error in one of her steps.

B.The equation she is solving has no solution.

C.The equation she is solving has infinitely many solutions.

D.She must continue solving the equation.

Solution

To analyze Sara-Mei's steps and determine her conclusion, let's carefully evaluate the equation-solving process:

Original equation:

2x+3=4(x3)2x+12x+3=4(x3)2x+12x + 3 = 4(x - 3) - 2x + 12x + 3 = 4(x - 3) - 2x + 1

This expression contains redundancy (the equation is repeated in some form). Let's simplify it:

Step 1: Distribute terms:

2x+3=4x122x+12x+32x + 3 = 4x - 12 - 2x + 12x + 3

and

=4x122x+1= 4x - 12 - 2x + 1

Step 2: Combine like terms:

On the left: 2x+3=2x112x + 3 = 2x - 11

Step 3: Eliminate 2x2x from both sides:

2x2x+3=2x2x112x - 2x + 3 = 2x - 2x - 11

This simplifies to: 0+3=0110 + 3 = 0 - 11 or 3=113 = -11

Step 4: Logical contradiction:

Since 3113 \neq -11, the equation produces a contradiction.

Conclusion:

When a contradiction arises during the solving process, it indicates that the equation has no solution.

Correct Answer:

B. The equation she is solving has no solution.


Would you like more details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

  1. What is the definition of a contradiction in solving equations?
  2. How do you determine when an equation has infinitely many solutions?
  3. What are the common steps for verifying an equation's solution?
  4. Can equations with variables on both sides always be solved?
  5. How do errors in algebraic manipulation affect the solution?

Tip: Always simplify and combine like terms early to avoid confusion in multi-step equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Contradictions in Equations

Formulas

Standard form of linear equations: ax + b = cx + d

Theorems

Properties of equality in algebra
Rules for solving linear equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10