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