- 5 x + 13 = 73 What is the sum of the solutions to the given equation?

Question

Accepted Answer

Choice D is correct. By the definition of absolute value, if - 5 x + 13 = 73 , then - 5 x + 13 = 73 or - 5 x + 13 = - 73 . Subtracting 13 from both sides of the equation - 5 x + 13 = 73 yields - 5 x = 60 . Dividing both sides of this equation by - 5 yields x = - 12 . Subtracting 13 from both sides of the equation - 5 x + 13 = - 73 yields - 5 x = - 86 . Dividing both sides of this equation by - 5 yields x = 86 5 . Therefore, the solutions to the given equation are - 12 and 86 5 , and it follows that the sum of the solutions to the given equation is - 12 + 86 5 , or 26 5 . Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice B is incorrect. This is a solution, not the sum of the solutions, to the given equation. Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question 5-x-13