Answer: Jason can substitute [tex]x=6.5[/tex] into the equation. The left side of the equation must be equal to the right side of the equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation [tex]-8.5x-3.5x=-78[/tex] must be solved by calculating the value of the variable x:
Add like terms:
[tex]-12x=-78[/tex]
Divide both sides by -12:
[tex]\frac{-12x}{-12}=\frac{-78}{-12}\\\\x=6.5[/tex]
Once Jason solves for x, he has to substitute [tex]x=6.5[/tex] into the equation and simplify to check his answers.
If his answer is right, the left side of the equation will be equal to the right side of the equation.
Then:
[tex]-12(6.5)=-78\\-78=-78[/tex]
[tex]x=6.5[/tex] is a solution of the equation.
