What value is closest to the…

Mathematics Questions

What value is closest to the solution of the equation 6x – 4 = 2(x + 5)? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 5

Short Answer

The solution involves distributing the equation, simplifying by combining like terms, and isolating x to find its value. The closest option to the resulting value of x = 3.5 is D. 5.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Distribute and Rearrange the Equation

Begin by distributing the number 2 across the terms in the parentheses on the right side of the equation, transforming it to 2(x + 5) = 2x + 10. This means bringing the equation to a better workable form, resulting in:

  • Original Equation: 6x – 4 = 2(x + 5)
  • After Distribution: 6x – 4 = 2x + 10

Step 2: Combine Like Terms

Next, simplify the equation by moving all x terms to one side. This is done by subtracting 2x from both sides, leading to:

  • Modified Equation: 6x – 2x = 10 + 4
  • Simplified Version: 4x = 14

Step 3: Solve for x and Find Closest Value

Now, divide both sides of the equation by 4 to isolate x, which gives:

  • Value of x: x = 14/4
  • Simplified Result: x = 3.5

Finally, the closest value to 3.5 from the given options (A. 1, B. 2, C. 3, D. 5) is D. 5.

Related Concepts

Distribution

The process of multiplying a single term by each term within a set of parentheses in an equation, resulting in an expanded equation.

Like terms

Terms that contain the same variables raised to the same power, which can be combined to simplify an expression or equation.

Isolate

The process of rearranging an equation to get a specific variable alone on one side, making it easier to solve for that variable.

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