A student solved the following equation using the following steps:

2(2x+2)=4(x+4)
4x+4=4x+4
4=4
Infinitely many solutions

(2 points)
Based on the student's work, the equation was solved
correctly or incorrectly

3 answers

The student's work is correct.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

  1. The original equation is \(2(2x + 2) = 4(x + 4)\).
  2. Distributing on both sides gives: \[ 4x + 4 = 4x + 16. \]
  3. Next, you subtract \(4x\) from both sides, leading to: \[ 4 = 16. \]

However, that conclusion is incorrect since \(4\) does not equal \(16\). Therefore, the conclusion reached about the original equation having infinitely many solutions is based on an error.

The correct outcome in this case should have indicated that the original equation does not yield a true statement after simplification, signaling no solution instead of infinitely many solutions. The student's final assertion is incorrect.

Thus, the correct evaluation would be: Incorrect.

The equation solved correctly would show that it has
solution(s).

For an equation to have solutions, it typically should provide a definitive statement regarding the variable involved. Let's summarize how to approach the solution and check it properly:

Original Equation

\[ 2(2x + 2) = 4(x + 4) \]

Step 1: Expand Both Sides

Distributing on both sides: \[ 4x + 4 = 4x + 16 \]

Step 2: Move All Terms Involving \(x\) to One Side

Subtract \(4x\) from both sides: \[ 4 = 16 \]

Interpretation

The statement \(4 = 16\) is false. When we reach a false statement after simplifying an equation involving a variable, it indicates that there are no solutions to the equation.

If the equation had simplified to a true statement like \(4 = 4\), that would indicate there are infinitely many solutions, implying that the equation is an identity.

Conclusion

Thus, correctly solving the equation shows that it has no solutions, and the student's conclusion regarding infinitely many solutions was incorrect.

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