Question

Select values of a and b for which x=−5 is a solution for the equation shown below.

ax+16=b−3x



a = 3), 2) -1), -5)



b = 10), 3), -14), -16)

Answer 1

Explanation:

There has to be some method of cutting down the number of combinations. Maybe estimation.

So A has to be fairly small and I don't think it can be minus.

And B should be minus

A = - 1 and B = -16

-x + 16 = -16 - 3x Transfer - x and - 16 to opposite sides

32 = -2x Not correct, but it will give a minus answer.

a =-5 and B = - 16

-5x +16 = -16 - 3x Transfer -5x and -16 to the opposite sides

32 = 2x

x = 16

a= 3 and B = - 14

3x +16 = - 14 -3x Transfer 3x and - 14 to the opposite sides.

14 + 16 = - 6x

30 = - 6x Divide by - 6

30/-6 = x

x = - 5