Bernard solved the equation 5 x + (negative 4) = 6 x + 4 using algebra tiles. Which explains why Bernard added 5 negative x-tiles to both sides in the first step of the solution?

Question

Bernard solved the equation 5 x + (negative 4) = 6 x + 4 using algebra tiles. Which explains why Bernard added 5 negative x-tiles to both sides in the first step of the solution?
He wanted to create zero pairs on the left side of the equation to get a positive coefficient of x on the right side.
He wanted to combine more negative tiles with the 4 negative tiles on the left side of the equation.
He wanted to remove the larger coefficient on the left side of the equation.
He wanted to have 10 x-tiles on the left side of the equation.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The correct explanation for why Bernard added 5 negative x-tiles to both sides of the equation is:

He wanted to create zero pairs on the left side of the equation to get a positive coefficient of x on the right side of the equation.

By adding 5 negative x-tiles to both sides, Bernard effectively eliminates the x's on the left side, allowing for easier manipulation of the remaining constants and positive coefficients.