create an equation that has variables on both sides and has a solution of −3.

Question

Using the choices below

only use 2

1. 4x+1
2. 3x
3. 3x-1
4. 5x
5. 3x-2

=

Answer 1

The simplest way is to go down the list, and solve each equation using x = -3; this way you can figure out which two are the same:

1. 4x+1 --> 4*(-3) +1 = -12 + 1 = -11
2. 3x --> 3*(-3) = -9
3. 3x-1 --> 3*(-3) -1 = -9 - 1 = -10
4. 5x --> 5*(-3) = -15
5. 3x-2 ---> 3*(-3) -2 = -9 -2 = -11

Because both 1 and 5 have the same solution for x = -3, we know that

For 4x+1 = 3x-2, the solution is x=-3

Answer 2

1 and 5

4x + 1 = 3x -2

4x-3x =-2 -1

x= -3