How Many Solutions? Practice

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Question
Complete the equation so that it has no solution.(1 point)
−7x−12=

x+12

1 answer

To complete the equation \(-7x - 12 = x + 12\) so that it has no solution, we need to manipulate it into a form that reveals that both sides are equal to a contradictory statement.

Let's simplify the original equation:

  1. Start with the left side: \(-7x - 12\).
  2. For the right side, keep \(x + 12\).

To force the equation into a contradiction, we can make both sides equal but with different constant terms. For example:

  • Rearranging gives us: \[ -7x - x = 12 + 12 \] which simplifies to: \[ -8x = 24 \quad \text{(This will allow for a solution)} \]

Instead, let’s define a new constant that doesn’t hold true.

Let’s say we want the constants on both sides to be unequal but the \(x\) terms to cancel each other out:

  • To do this, we can make the equation equal something like: \[ −7x−12 = x + 20 \]

Now when we set up the equation, we have:

  • \( -7x - 12 = x + 20 \)

This can be rearranged to: \[ -8x = 32 \] Which will simplify to: \[ x = -4 \]

If we wanted no solution, we can do: \[ -7x - 12 = x + 12 \]

So instead,

  • Let’s try \(−7x−12 = x + 0\), that translates correctly to show a contradiction.
  • It’ll lead to \(−8x = 12\), which simplifies to a non-factorable but achievable condition.

In conclusion, you can use:

\[ -7x - 12 = x + 20 \]

or

\[ -7x - 12 = x + 0 \]

You can finalize putting any number as a figure on the right side to achieve contradictions and not solutions.