Suppose P is between M and N. If PM=3x−17 , and PN=3(2x+6) and MN=4x+6, what is the value of x?

Question

Suppose P is between M and N. If 

 , and 

 and 

, what is the value of x?.

Answer 1

3x-17 3(2x+6)

M-----------------P--------------N

_______4x+6__________

I drew a line to help with the visual of M, P, and N. So we know that MN is equal to MP + PN.

So 4x+6=3x-17+3(2x+6)

4x+6=3x-17+6x+18

4x+6=9x+1

5=5x

x=1

Answer 2

By segment addition postulate: PM + PN = MN, so

3x - 17 + 3(2x+6) = 4x + 6

3x - 17 + 6x + 18 = 4x + 6

9x + 1 = 4x + 6

5x = 5

x = 1

which doesn't make any sense, as PM would be -14.