Question

50 PONITS This model represents an equation. (a) Write an equation that could be used to solve x. (b) Solve the equation for x. Show your work.

Answer 1

A) 5x-1=-6

B) x=-1

Explanation:

Answer 2

A)
`5x-1=-6`

B)
`x=-1`

Explanation:

On the left, we have five (positive) Xs and one -1. So, we can represent the left with the expression
`5x-1`.

On the right, we have six -1s. So, we can represent the right with the expression
`-6`.

A)

Since the balance is balanced, we know that the two expressions are equal to each other. So, we can write the equation:

`5x-1=-6`

B)

Now, we can solve the equation for x. Add 1 to both sides:

`(5x-1)+1=(-6)+1`

The left will cancel. Add on the right:

`5x=-5`

Finally, divide both sides by 5:

`(5x)/5=(-5)/5`

The left side will cancel. So, the value of x is:

`x=-1`