Question

Austin and Lisa worked out the same problem
5x - 3(x-2) = 8

Austin’s answer was X=7
Lisa’s answer was X = 1

Who is correct, or are they both wrong? Why

Answer 1

To determine who is correct, we need to substitute their answers back into the original equation and see if it holds true.

Substituting Austin's answer, x = 7, into the equation:

5(7) - 3(7-2) = 8
35 - 3(5) = 8
35 - 15 = 8
20 = 8

This equation is not true, so Austin's answer is incorrect.

Substituting Lisa's answer, x = 1, into the equation:

5(1) - 3(1-2) = 8
5 - 3(-1) = 8
5 + 3 = 8
8 = 8

This equation is true, so Lisa's answer is correct.

Therefore, Lisa is correct and Austin is incorrect.