15
QuizMultiple Choice

Solving Equations and Inequalities — Test

Question 15 • Algebra 1

Deepak wrote out the steps to his solution of the equation 52−3⁢x−5+4⁢x=−74. Deepak's Solution Steps Resulting equations 1 Use the distributive property to simplify. 5 halves minus 5 plus 4 x minus 3 x is equal to negative 7 fourths 2 Simplify by combining like terms. negative 5 halves plus x is equal to negative 7 fourths 3 Use the addition property of equality. negative 5 halves plus 5 halves plus x is equal to negative 7 fourths plus 5 halves 4 Use multiplication to find equivalent fractions. negative 5 halves plus 5 halves plus x is equal to negative 7 fourths plus 10 fourths 5 Simplify by combining like terms. x is equal to 3 fourths Which step has an incorrect instruction?

Answer
A
Step 2
B
Step 4
C
Step 1
D
Step 3

Explanation

Step 1 changes the order of the terms, moving −3x after 4x, but it does not use the distributive property. The distributive property expands multiplication across addition or subtraction; here, the terms are simply reordered. Steps 2–5 correctly combine like terms and solve for x, so the incorrect instruction is in Step 1, choice C.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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