The Equation and the Potential Solution

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

In mathematics, solving equations is a crucial aspect of problem-solving. When we encounter a potential solution, it's essential to verify whether it satisfies the given equation. In this article, we will explore the potential solution $x=-5$ and determine which statement is true about it.

The Equation and the Potential Solution

Let's consider the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ . We are given the potential solution $x=-5$ . To verify whether this solution is true, we need to substitute $x=-5$ into the equation and check if it satisfies the equation.

Substituting $x=-5$ into the Equation

We substitute $x=-5$ into the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ :

$-5(-5) - 18 = 0$

Expanding the equation, we get:

$25 - 18 = 0$

Simplifying the equation, we get:

$7 = 0$

Analyzing the Result

As we can see, the equation does not hold true when we substitute $x=-5$ . The result is $7 = 0$ , which is not a valid equation. This means that the potential solution $x=-5$ does not satisfy the given equation.

Evaluating the Statements

Now, let's evaluate the given statements:

A. This number is not a true solution because it is negative.

While it's true that $x=-5$ is a negative number, this is not the reason why it's not a true solution. The reason is that the equation does not hold true when we substitute $x=-5$ .

B. This number is not a true solution because $-5x - 18$ is negative.

This statement is also incorrect. The reason why $x=-5$ is not a true solution is that the equation does not hold true when we substitute $x=-5$ , not because $-5x - 18$ is negative.

C. This number is not a true solution

This statement is correct. As we have seen, the equation does not hold true when we substitute $x=-5$ . Therefore, $x=-5$ is not a true solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the potential solution $x=-5$ does not satisfy the given equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ . Therefore, statement C is the correct answer. The other statements are incorrect because they do not provide the correct reason why $x=-5$ is not a true solution.

Key Takeaways

When solving equations, it's essential to verify whether the potential solution satisfies the equation.
A potential solution may not be a true solution even if it's a negative number.
The reason why a potential solution is not a true solution is that the equation does not hold true when we substitute the potential solution.

Additional Examples

To further illustrate this concept, let's consider another example. Suppose we have the equation $x + 5 = 0$ and the potential solution $x=-2$ . We can substitute $x=-2$ into the equation and check if it satisfies the equation:

$-2 + 5 = 0$

Expanding the equation, we get:

$3 = 0$

Simplifying the equation, we get:

$3 = 0$

As we can see, the equation does not hold true when we substitute $x=-2$ . Therefore, $x=-2$ is not a true solution.

Real-World Applications

Understanding the concept of potential solutions is crucial in various real-world applications, such as:

Physics: In physics, potential solutions are used to model real-world phenomena, such as the motion of objects. Understanding whether a potential solution satisfies the equation is essential in predicting the behavior of objects.
Engineering: In engineering, potential solutions are used to design and optimize systems. Understanding whether a potential solution satisfies the equation is essential in ensuring that the system functions as intended.
Computer Science: In computer science, potential solutions are used to solve complex problems, such as optimization problems. Understanding whether a potential solution satisfies the equation is essential in finding the optimal solution.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we explored the concept of potential solutions and how to determine whether a potential solution satisfies an equation. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about potential solutions.

Q: What is a potential solution?

A: A potential solution is a value that is substituted into an equation to determine whether it satisfies the equation.

Q: How do I determine whether a potential solution satisfies an equation?

A: To determine whether a potential solution satisfies an equation, you need to substitute the potential solution into the equation and check if it holds true.

Q: What if the potential solution is a negative number?

A: A potential solution may not be a true solution even if it's a negative number. The reason why a potential solution is not a true solution is that the equation does not hold true when we substitute the potential solution.

Q: Can a potential solution be a true solution if it's a negative number?

A: Yes, a potential solution can be a true solution even if it's a negative number. However, this is not the case in the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ , where $x=-5$ is not a true solution.

Q: How do I know if a potential solution is a true solution?

A: To determine whether a potential solution is a true solution, you need to substitute the potential solution into the equation and check if it holds true. If the equation holds true, then the potential solution is a true solution.

Q: What if the equation has multiple potential solutions?

A: If an equation has multiple potential solutions, you need to substitute each potential solution into the equation and check if it holds true. If a potential solution satisfies the equation, then it is a true solution.

Q: Can a potential solution be a true solution if it's not a whole number?

A: Yes, a potential solution can be a true solution even if it's not a whole number. For example, in the equation $x + 5 = 0$ , the potential solution $x=-2.5$ is a true solution.

Q: How do I use potential solutions in real-world applications?

A: Potential solutions are used in various real-world applications, such as physics, engineering, and computer science. In these fields, potential solutions are used to model real-world phenomena, design and optimize systems, and solve complex problems.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with potential solutions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with potential solutions include:

Not verifying whether a potential solution satisfies the equation
Assuming that a potential solution is a true solution because it's a negative number
Not checking if the equation has multiple potential solutions
Not using potential solutions in real-world applications

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding potential solutions is crucial in various real-world applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can determine whether a potential solution satisfies an equation and use potential solutions in real-world applications.

Key Takeaways

A potential solution is a value that is substituted into an equation to determine whether it satisfies the equation.
To determine whether a potential solution satisfies an equation, you need to substitute the potential solution into the equation and check if it holds true.
A potential solution may not be a true solution even if it's a negative number.
Potential solutions are used in various real-world applications, such as physics, engineering, and computer science.

Additional Resources

For more information on potential solutions, you can consult the following resources:

Math textbooks: Many math textbooks cover the concept of potential solutions in detail.
Online resources: Websites such as Khan Academy and Mathway offer tutorials and examples on potential solutions.
Real-world applications: Look for examples of potential solutions in real-world applications, such as physics, engineering, and computer science.