2x−5=−21

Question

Determine the best TWO steps to solve the equation.

Identify the solution.

(1 point)
.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 2x - 5 = -21 \), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Add 5 to both sides of the equation.
\[ 2x - 5 + 5 = -21 + 5 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ 2x = -16 \]

Step 2: Divide both sides by 2.
\[ \frac{2x}{2} = \frac{-16}{2} \]
This simplifies to:
\[ x = -8 \]

Solution: The solution to the equation is \( x = -8 \).

So, in a summary format:

• Step 1: Add 5 to both sides.
• Step 2: Divide both sides by 2.
• Solution: \( x = -8 \)