How Many Solutions? Practice

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

1 answer

To create an equation that has no solution, we want both sides to simplify to a contradiction.

Starting with the initial equation:

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

We can manipulate the left side to try finding a contradiction. First, let's get all terms involving \(x\) on one side and constant terms on the other side.

  1. Add \(7x\) to both sides: \[ -12 = 8x + 12 \]

  2. Next, subtract \(12\) from both sides: \[ -24 = 8x \]

  3. Divide by \(8\): \[ x = -3 \]

Now, to adjust this equation to have no solution, we could manipulate it to create an inconsistency.

Let’s modify the equation to something like:

\[ -7x - 12 = x + 24 \]

Now, following similar steps:

  1. Add \(7x\) to both sides: \[ -12 = 8x + 24 \]

  2. Subtract \(24\) from both sides: \[ -36 = 8x \]

  3. Divide by \(8\): \[ x = -4.5 \]

Now, let’s create a contradiction that leads to no solution.

Instead, if we want an equation with no solutions, let’s set:

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

Now simplifying both sides gives:

\[ -12 \neq 12 \]

This is a contradiction and thus it confirms that the equation has no solution.

So the final answer to your question is:

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

This modified equation has no solution.