Micaand josh both solve the equation x-27=14-8, using substitution. Mica says the answer is x=-21 and josh says the answer is x=33. Which student is correct, and how do you know? show your work and explain your thinking.

Answer 1

Let's solve the equation \( x - 27 = 14 - 8 \) step by step.

First, simplify the right side of the equation:

1. Calculate \( 14 - 8 \): \[ 14 - 8 = 6 \]

Now we can rewrite the equation: \[ x - 27 = 6 \]

Next, we'll isolate \( x \) by adding 27 to both sides: \[ x - 27 + 27 = 6 + 27 \] \[ x = 6 + 27 \] \[ x = 33 \]

So, the correct solution to the equation is \( x = 33 \).

Now, let’s check the results from Mica and Josh:

• Mica claims that \( x = -21 \) which we have determined is incorrect.
• Josh claims that \( x = 33 \), which we have confirmed is the correct solution.

Therefore, Josh is correct. He correctly solved the equation, arriving at \( x = 33 \).