Question

Ashley solved the equation for m using the following steps.

-4.5 + m = 17

-4.5  -4.5

    m = 12.5

What was Ashley’s error?
Ashley should have subtracted 17 to both sides.
Ashley should have added 4.5 to both sides.
Ashley should have added 17 to both sides.
Ashley’s work does not have an error.

Answer 1

the answer is B

Answer 2

Ashley should have added 4.5 to both sides.

Explanation:

Given expression:

`-4.5+m=17`

Ashley's solution:

Subtracted 4.5 to both sides and got,

`m=12.5`

Correct solution:

Adding 4.5 to both sides.

`-4.5+m=17`

`+4.5`
`+4.5`

∴
`m=21.5`

Error made by Ashley was subtracting 4.5 both sides. Instead he should have added 4.5 both sides.