Tom is given the equation 10x + 15 = 20 to solve. He says the solution is 1/2. which reason justifies his solution

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 10x + 15 = 20 \) for \( x \), let's go through the steps:

1. Subtract 15 from both sides: \[ 10x + 15 - 15 = 20 - 15 \] This simplifies to: \[ 10x = 5 \]

2. Divide both sides by 10: \[ \frac{10x}{10} = \frac{5}{10} \] This simplifies to: \[ x = \frac{1}{2} \]

Thus, Tom's solution of \( x = \frac{1}{2} \) is indeed correct. The reason that justifies his solution is that he correctly applied the properties of equality—specifically, the subtraction and division properties.