This number is not a true solution

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 117 views

Introduction

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

Let's consider the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ . Our goal is to find the value of $x$ that satisfies this equation. We can start by isolating the variable $x$ .

Isolating the Variable $x$

To isolate $x$ , we need to get rid of the negative sign in front of the term $-5x$ . We can do this by multiplying both sides of the equation by $-1$ .

-5x - 18 = 0

\Rightarrow \quad -1(-5x - 18) = -1(0)

\Rightarrow \quad 5x + 18 = 0

Now, we can isolate $x$ by subtracting $18$ from both sides of the equation.

5x + 18 = 0

\Rightarrow \quad 5x = -18

Finally, we can solve for $x$ by dividing both sides of the equation by $5$ .

5x = -18

\Rightarrow \quad x = \frac{-18}{5}

The Potential Solution $x = -5$

Now that we have isolated the variable $x$ , we can substitute $x = -5$ into the original equation to see if it satisfies the equation.

-5x - 18 = 0

\Rightarrow \quad -5(-5) - 18 = 0

\Rightarrow \quad 25 - 18 = 0

\Rightarrow \quad 7 = 0

As we can see, the equation is not satisfied when $x = -5$ . This means that $x = -5$ is not a true solution to the equation.

Evaluating the Statements

Now that we have determined that $x = -5$ is not a true solution, let's evaluate the statements given in the problem.

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

This statement is incorrect. The reason $x = -5$ is not a true solution is not because it is negative, but because it does not satisfy the equation.

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

This statement is correct. When we substitute $x = -5$ into the equation, we get $-5(-5) - 18 = 7$ , which is positive. However, the original equation is $-5x - 18 = 0$ , which means that the expression $-5x - 18$ should be equal to zero. Since $-5(-5) - 18 = 7$ is not equal to zero, $x = -5$ is not a true solution.

C. This number is not a true solution

This statement is correct, but it is too vague. We need to provide a specific reason why $x = -5$ is not a true solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the potential solution $x = -5$ does not satisfy the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ . Therefore, statement B is the correct answer. The reason $x = -5$ is not a true solution is because $-5x - 18$ is not equal to zero when $x = -5$ .

Key Takeaways

When solving equations, it's essential to verify whether the potential solution satisfies the equation.
The reason $x = -5$ is not a true solution is because $-5x - 18$ is not equal to zero when $x = -5$ .
Statement B is the correct answer because it provides a specific reason why $x = -5$ is not a true solution.

Final Thoughts

Q: What is the main reason why $x = -5$ is not a true solution?

A: The main reason why $x = -5$ is not a true solution is because $-5x - 18$ is not equal to zero when $x = -5$ .

Q: Is it true that $x = -5$ is not a true solution because it is negative?

A: No, it is not true. The reason $x = -5$ is not a true solution is not because it is negative, but because it does not satisfy the equation.

Q: Can you provide an example of a true solution to the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ ?

A: Yes, one example of a true solution to the equation $-5x - 18 = 0$ is $x = -\frac{18}{5}$ . This value satisfies the equation because $-5(-\frac{18}{5}) - 18 = 0$ .

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 value into the equation and check if it is true. If the equation is satisfied, then the potential solution is a true solution. If the equation is not satisfied, then the potential solution is not a true solution.

Q: What is the importance of verifying whether a potential solution satisfies an equation?

A: Verifying whether a potential solution satisfies an equation is crucial because it ensures that the solution is correct and accurate. If a potential solution does not satisfy the equation, it means that the solution is not valid and should be discarded.

Q: Can you provide a general rule for determining whether a potential solution is a true solution?

A: Yes, the general rule is to substitute the potential solution into the equation and check if it is true. If the equation is satisfied, then the potential solution is a true solution. If the equation is not satisfied, then the potential solution is not a true solution.

Q: How do I know if a statement about a potential solution is true or false?

A: To determine whether a statement about a potential solution is true or false, you need to evaluate the statement based on the evidence and the equation. If the statement is consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is true. If the statement is not consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is false.

Q: Can you provide an example of a statement about a potential solution that is false?

A: Yes, one example of a statement about a potential solution that is false is "This number is not a true solution because it is negative." This statement is false because the reason $x = -5$ is not a true solution is not because it is negative, but because it does not satisfy the equation.

Q: How do I evaluate the truth of a statement about a potential solution?

A: To evaluate the truth of a statement about a potential solution, you need to consider the evidence and the equation. If the statement is consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is true. If the statement is not consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is false.

Q: Can you provide a general rule for evaluating the truth of a statement about a potential solution?

A: Yes, the general rule is to consider the evidence and the equation and evaluate the statement based on that evidence. If the statement is consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is true. If the statement is not consistent with the evidence and the equation, then it is false.