Stephen and Aaron solved the same equation using two separate methods. Their work is shown in the table below:


Stephen

Aaron

3x − 2 = 5x − 6

3x − 2 = 5x − 6

3x − 2 + 2 = 5x − 6 + 2

3x − 3x − 2 = 5x − 3x − 6

3x = 5x − 4

−2 = 2x − 6

3x − 5x = 5x − 5x − 4

−2 − 6 = 2x

−2x = −4

−8 = 2x

negative two x divided by negative two equals negative four divided by negative two

negative eight divided by two equals two x divided by two

x = 2

−4 = x