Question 37·Easy·Linear Equations in One Variable
Which equation has the same solution as the given equation?
For questions asking which equation has the same solution as a given linear equation, first quickly solve the original equation for . Then either (1) solve each short answer-choice equation and match the -values, or (2) perform simple operations (like adding/subtracting the same number, or dividing both sides by a constant) on the original equation to rewrite it and see which choice it matches. This keeps the work short and reduces errors compared with guessing or doing complicated algebra on every option.
Hints
Start with the given equation
First, find the value of that makes true. What operation should you use to undo adding ?
Finish solving for x
After you undo the , you will get a simpler equation involving on one side. What should you do next to get by itself?
Compare with each answer choice
Once you know the value of for the original equation, solve each answer choice for . Which choice gives the same -value as the original equation?
Alternative approach
Instead of solving each choice completely, think about what operation you could do to both sides of to get an equation of the form , like the ones in the answer choices.
Desmos Guide
Solve the original equation in Desmos
In one expression line, type 2x+8=20. Desmos will display the solution for (for example, as a solution statement or a point on the -axis). Note this -value.
Solve each answer choice in Desmos
On new lines, type each choice exactly as an equation: 2x=28, 2x=12, 2x=10, and 2x=8. For each line, look at the -value that Desmos shows as the solution.
Match the solutions
Compare the -value from the original equation with the -values from each choice. The correct answer is the choice whose equation has the same -value as the original equation.
Step-by-step Explanation
Solve the original equation
Start with the given equation:
Undo the by subtracting from both sides:
Now divide both sides by to solve for :
So the original equation has the solution .
Find which choice has the same solution
Now solve each answer choice for :
- Choice A:
Divide by : . - Choice B:
Divide by : . - Choice C:
Divide by : . - Choice D:
Divide by : .
Only choice B gives , which matches the solution of the original equation. Therefore, the equation that has the same solution as is (choice B).