Question

(I'm so confused please help)
Suppose M is the midpoint of XY. If XM = 2x + 11 and MY = 5x - 16, find the value of X.
A) x = -4
B) x = 4
C) x = -9
D) x = 9
E) x = 2

My math:
2x + 11 = 5x + 16
(-5x and -11 from both sides)
-3x=5
(divide -3 on each side)
x=-5/3
But it isn't an option, so I don't know.

Answer 1

Answer:

D

Step-by-step explanation:

Instead of 2x + 11 = 5x + 16, you should have put 2x+11 = 5x - 16. There is a sign change right before the 16, and you may have accidentally written down +16 instead of -16. I think that's where the problem is.

2x + 11 = 5x - 16

subtract 5x from both sides to make all variables on one side

-3x + 11 = -16

subtract 11 from both sides to isolate the x and its coefficient

-3x = -27

divide both sides by -3 to isolate x

x = 9