Chapter 4.3, Problem 44HP

To determine

To calculate:To find who is solving the equation correctly and explain why

Answer to Problem 44HP

Liam is solving the equation correctly

Explanation of Solution

Given information:Liam and Marcus are solving the equation $x-\left(-2\right)=4$

Calculation:

Given equation as follows:

  $x-\left(-2\right)=4$

Liam solves the above equation as follows:

Marcus solves the equation as follows:

In order to solve the equation, one needs to perform inverse of the operation in part of given equation that contains variable and follow the same for both side of equation.

In equation $x-\left(-2\right)=4$ , variable is on left side of equation and operation is subtraction.

Thus, in order to solve, one must perform addition.

Thus, correct way of solving the equation is

  $\begin{array}{l}x-\left(-2\right)=4\\ \text{ +}\left(-2\right)=4+\left(-2\right)\\ -----------\\ x=4-2\\ x=2\end{array}$

Hence, Liam is solving the equation correctly.