another math ? order of operations?

I'm supposed to figure out which step(s) have been applied incorrectly. It looks fine to me, but that's probably because that would be how I would work this problem and therefore get it wrong! Here it is:

Step 1: 3(x + 2) = 9 (x-6)
Step 2: 3x + 6 = 9x - 54
Step 3: -6x = -60
Step 4: x = -10

Which mathmatical operation(s) have been applied incorrectly (check all that apply)

1. division of real numbers
2. combination of like terms
3. order of operations
4. step 2 should be 3x + 2 = 9x - 6
5. step 3 should be 12x = -60
6. step 4 should be x = 10

Seriously, I don't see what is incorrect. I'd really like to understand this, so your help would be great!

2008-10-29T20:39:07Z

austen- thanks. It really helps when someone explains it in "easy" terms!

Funny...as much as I have problems with math, Numb3rs is one of my favorite shows!

i<3vintagethings2008-10-29T20:38:55Z

Favorite Answer

Well okay there are several incorrections in this problem.
First, distrubute out the parentheses.
3x+6=9x-54
Then, combine like terms to make it into a solvable equation lol.
9x-3x and 54 added to 6.
6x=60
Notice that it does NOT turn negative!!!!
X=10
So Step 2 is Wrong and Step 3 and 4 is Wrong.

aaustin24922008-10-29T20:36:09Z

it is choice 6...

when you divide -60 by -6x it becomes a positive 10 because a negative divided by a negative is a positive!!!

these are hard to figure out sometimes so dont beat yourself up. just look for tricks like this one in future problems

good luck!

Nanoha272008-10-29T20:40:09Z

it is option 6 because when you divide -/- it is a positive answer. So the correct answer is x=10

Anonymous2008-10-29T20:37:22Z

6.