College

The equation [tex]7 + x = 23[/tex] was presented to two different students.

Student #1 solved the equation by subtracting 7 from both sides to get [tex]x = 16[/tex].

Student #2 rewrote the equation as [tex]x = 23[/tex] then solved by subtracting 7 from both sides to get [tex]x = 16[/tex].

Did both students use a correct method for solving the equation? Explain your answer.

Answer :

Sure! Let's go through the solution of the equation step by step.

We have the equation:
[tex]\[ 7 + x = 23 \][/tex]

Student #1's Method:

1. To solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex], Student #1 subtracts 7 from both sides of the equation. This helps isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex] on one side.
2. Subtracting 7 from both sides, the equation becomes:
[tex]\[ 7 + x - 7 = 23 - 7 \][/tex]
3. Simplifying both sides, we get:
[tex]\[ x = 16 \][/tex]

Student #2's Method:

1. Student #2 rewrote the equation with [tex]\( x \)[/tex] on the left side by assuming the same initial equation:
[tex]\[ x + 7 = 23 \][/tex]

2. Just like Student #1, Student #2 subtracts 7 from both sides to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x + 7 - 7 = 23 - 7 \][/tex]
3. This simplifies to:
[tex]\[ x = 16 \][/tex]

Both students arrived at the same correct solution, [tex]\( x = 16 \)[/tex], by using a proper method of subtracting 7 from both sides of the equation. The method they used is valid and ensures they both reach the correct answer.