Question

circle the error: -2 + $\frac{x}{4}$ = 5 .4 .4 -2 + x = 20 +2 +2 x = 22

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the error in equation - solving

When multiplying both sides of the equation $-2+\frac{x}{4}=5$ by 4, the distributive property was not applied correctly. We should have $(-2)\times4+\frac{x}{4}\times4 = 5\times4$, not just multiplying the $\frac{x}{4}$ and 5 terms by 4 while leaving - 2 as is.

Step2: Correct multiplication

The correct step after multiplying both sides by 4 is $-8 + x=20$.

Answer:

The error is that when multiplying both sides of the equation $-2+\frac{x}{4}=5$ by 4, the - 2 term was not multiplied by 4.