Marlena solved the equation 2x + 5 = –10 – x. Her steps are shown below.

Question

2x + 5 = –10 – x

3x + 5 = –10
3x = –15
x = –5
Use the drop-down menus to justify Marlena’s work in each step of the process.

Step 1: _________________

Step 2: _______________

Step 3: _____________

Answer 1

Step 1: Marlena added x to both sides to eliminate the variable from the right side of the equation.

Step 2: Marlena combined like terms on the left side of the equation.

Step 3: Marlena divided both sides by 3 to solve for x.