High School

Analyzing a Solved Linear Equation

Analyze the work used to write an equivalent equation for [tex] y [/tex]. What can you conclude about the work?

Given equation: [tex] 3y = 36 - 5x [/tex]

1. Divide both sides by 3:

[tex]
\frac{3y}{3} = \frac{36}{3} - 5x
[/tex]

[tex]
y = 12 - 5x
[/tex]

Conclusion:
- The work was completed correctly.
- Both terms on the right side need to be divided by 3, not just the 36.

Answer :

Let's analyze the given linear equation and the solution steps for errors:

Original Equation:
[tex]\[ 3y = 36 - 5x \][/tex]

1. Divide both sides by 3: The goal is to isolate [tex]\( y \)[/tex].

[tex]\[
\frac{3y}{3} = \frac{36}{3} - \frac{5x}{3}
\][/tex]

- When dividing [tex]\( 3y \)[/tex] by 3, you get [tex]\( y \)[/tex].
- When dividing [tex]\( 36 \)[/tex] by 3, you get 12.
- Do not forget to divide the entire expression on the right side by 3, not just the constant. So [tex]\( 5x \)[/tex] should also be divided by 3.

Simplified equation:
[tex]\[
y = 12 - \frac{5}{3}x
\][/tex]

Conclusion:

- The original solution where [tex]\( y = 12 - 5x \)[/tex] was claimed is incorrect because [tex]\( 5x \)[/tex] should have been divided by 3 as well.
- The correct final form of the equation should be [tex]\( y = 12 - \frac{5}{3}x \)[/tex].
- Both terms on the right side needed to be divided properly to maintain equation balance.

The work needed correct attention to detail when performing operations across the entire equation.