Question

Jaxon has a number riddle for his friends. He wants them to guess what number he is thinking of. He tells them that his number can be represented by the x in the equation

4x + 2 = 26

His friends guess {6, 12, 13, 36}. Using substitution, which guess was the correct number?

Answer 1

To find the correct number, we substitute each guess into the equation and see which one makes the equation true.

For the guess 6:
4(6) + 2 = 26
24 + 2 = 26
26 = 26 (True)

For the guess 12:
4(12) + 2 = 26
48 + 2 = 26
50 = 26 (False)

For the guess 13:
4(13) + 2 = 26
52 + 2 = 26
54 = 26 (False)

For the guess 36:
4(36) + 2 = 26
144 + 2 = 26
146 = 26 (False)

The only guess that makes the equation true is 6. So, the correct number Jaxon is thinking of is 6.