Question

Is this equation an identity?

–2u = –u − 8

Answer 1

To determine if the equation \(-2u = -u - 8\) is an identity, we need to check if it holds true for all values of \(u\).

Let's try to simplify and solve the equation:

Starting with the original equation:
\[
-2u = -u - 8
\]

Add \(u\) to both sides:
\[
-2u + u = -8
\]

This simplifies to:
\[
-u = -8
\]

Next, multiply both sides by \(-1\):
\[
u = 8
\]

The equation is only true when \(u = 8\). Since it does not hold true for all values of \(u\), \(-2u = -u - 8\) is not an identity. It is an equation that is true for a specific value of \(u\), which is \(u = 8\).