Which of the following is an example of an equation with no solution?

3x + 4 = 3x + 3
3x + 4 = 3x + 4
4x + 3 = 3x + 3
3x + 4 = 4x + 3

1 answer

An equation with no solution occurs when simplifying the equation leads to a contradiction. Let's analyze each option:

  1. 3x + 4 = 3x + 3

    Subtracting \(3x\) from both sides gives: \[ 4 = 3 \] This is a contradiction. Thus, this equation has no solution.

  2. 3x + 4 = 3x + 4

    Subtracting \(3x\) from both sides simplifies to: \[ 4 = 4 \] This is always true for any value of \(x\). Hence, this has infinitely many solutions.

  3. 4x + 3 = 3x + 3

    Subtracting \(3x\) from both sides gives: \[ x + 3 = 3 \] Subtracting 3 from both sides gives: \[ x = 0 \] This equation has a unique solution.

  4. 3x + 4 = 4x + 3

    Subtracting \(3x\) from both sides results in: \[ 4 = x + 3 \] Subtracting 3 from both sides gives: \[ x = 1 \] This equation also has a unique solution.

From this analysis, the equation that has no solution is:

3x + 4 = 3x + 3