16Hit1600
AlgebraEasyOperation that solves a one-step equation

Algebra practice question

The equations 4x = 20 and x = 5 have the same solution. Which operation turns the first equation into the second?

  1. A. Dividing both sides by 4Correct
  2. B. Subtracting 4 from both sides
  3. C. Multiplying both sides by 4
  4. D. Adding 5 to both sides

Answer: A. Dividing both sides by 4

4x ÷ 4 = x and 20 ÷ 4 = 5.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Subtracting 4 from both sides
Subtracting 4 gives 4x − 4 = 16.
C. Multiplying both sides by 4
Multiplying gives 16x = 80.
D. Adding 5 to both sides
Adding 5 gives 4x + 5 = 25.

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