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AlgebraVery hardEquation with no solution

Algebra practice question

Which of the following equations has NO solution?

  1. A. 3(x + 2) = 3x + 5Correct
  2. B. 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6
  3. C. 3(x + 2) = 2x + 6
  4. D. 3(x + 2) = 5x + 6

Answer: A. 3(x + 2) = 3x + 5

3x + 6 = 3x + 5 reduces to 6 = 5, which is false for every x.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6
3x + 6 = 3x + 6 is true for every x — infinitely many solutions.
C. 3(x + 2) = 2x + 6
3x + 6 = 2x + 6 gives x = 0, one solution.
D. 3(x + 2) = 5x + 6
3x + 6 = 5x + 6 gives x = 0, one solution.

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