In the equation 6x – 2 = –4x + 2, Spencer claims that the first step is to add 4x to both sides. Jeremiah claims that the first step is to subtract 6x from both sides. Who is correct? Explain.

Answer:

Both are correct. As long as inverse operations and the properties of equality are used properly, both methods will generate the same solution. They both isolate the variable on one side of the equation.