Question

A student attempted to solve the equation    

$$x + 3y = 4$$     

by subtracting 3 from both sides to get     

$$x + y = 1$$    

What is wrong with this approach?

Accepted Answer

3*y* and *y* are unlike terms and cannot be added/subtracted together.    

$$3y - 3 
e y$$     

$$(3y - 3)$$ cannot be simplified further.

Flashcard 1 - Mathematics: Quantitative Reasoning Flashcard Set for the TSIA2

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