another math ? order of operations?

Question

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!

i&lt;3vintagethings · Accepted 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.

aaustin2492 · Answer

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!

Nanoha27 · Answer

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

Anonymous · Answer

6.

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another math ? order of operations?

4 Answers