Question

Solve: 13x-2=21x+2.

(a) 2x+1=0

(b) 2x-1= 0

(c) 1 + 2x = 0

(d) 1 – 2x = 0

The question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question comes from Reduce the Given Linear Equations to a Simpler Form topic in section Linear Equations in One Variable of Mathematics – Class 8

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) 2x+1=0

The best explanation: 13x-2=21x+2

∴ 13x-21x=2+2

∴ -8x=4

∴ x=\(\frac{-1}{2}\).