which of the following has exactly one solution?

-3x + 8 = -3x - 8
-3x - 8 = 3x - 8
3x - 8 = 3x + 8
-8x + 3 = -8x + 3

1 answer

To determine which of these equations has exactly one solution, let's analyze each one.

  1. Equation: \(-3x + 8 = -3x - 8\)
    Simplification: Add \(3x\) to both sides:
    \(8 = -8\)
    This is a false statement (8 does not equal -8).
    Conclusion: No solutions.

  2. Equation: \(-3x - 8 = 3x - 8\)
    Simplification: Add \(3x\) to both sides:
    \(-8 = 6x - 8\)
    Add 8 to both sides:
    \(0 = 6x\)
    Divide by 6:
    \(x = 0\)
    Conclusion: One solution (\(x = 0\)).

  3. Equation: \(3x - 8 = 3x + 8\)
    Simplification: Subtract \(3x\) from both sides:
    \(-8 = 8\)
    This is a false statement (−8 does not equal 8).
    Conclusion: No solutions.

  4. Equation: \(-8x + 3 = -8x + 3\)
    This is an identity, meaning it is true for all values of \(x\).
    Conclusion: Infinite solutions.

Final Conclusion:

The equation that has exactly one solution is: \(-3x - 8 = 3x - 8\) (with the solution \(x = 0\)).