Question

Erica solved the equation −5x − 25 = 78; her work is shown below. Identify the error and where it was made.

−5x − 25 = 78
Step 1: −5x − 25 − 25 = 78 − 25
Step 2: −5x = 53
Step 3: negative five times x over negative five = fifty-three over negative five
Step 4: x = negative fifty-three over five

Answer 1

She subtracted 25 two times

Answer 2

The error is in step 1. Instead of subtracting 25 you should add 25 to each side. x = -20.6