Question

suzanne did this work to solve an equation. did she make an error? x - 5 = 3x - 2 - 7 - 5x x - 5 = 2x - 9 suzanne made an error because 3x - 5x = 8x. suzanne did not make an error. suzanne made an error because 3x - 5x = -2x. suzanne made an error because 3x - 5x = -8x.

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like - terms on right side

Starting with $x - 5=3x - 2 - 7 - 5x$. Combine the $x$ - terms $3x$ and $-5x$ and the constant terms $-2$ and $-7$. The correct combination of $x$ - terms is $3x-5x=(3 - 5)x=-2x$, and $-2-7=-9$. So the right side should be $-2x - 9$, not $2x - 9$.

Step2: Analyze error

Suzanne made an error in combining the $x$ - terms $3x$ and $-5x$. The correct result of $3x-5x$ is $-2x$, not $2x$.

Answer:

Suzanne made an error because $3x - 5x=-2x$.