Jaxon has a number riddle for his friends. He wants them to guess what number he is thinking of. He tells them that his number can be represented by the x in the equation
4x + 2 = 26
His friends guess {6, 12, 13, 36}. Using substitution, which guess was the correct number?
To find the correct number, we substitute each guess into the equation and see which one makes the equation true.
For the guess 6:
4(6) + 2 = 26
24 + 2 = 26
26 = 26 (True)
For the guess 12:
4(12) + 2 = 26
48 + 2 = 26
50 = 26 (False)
For the guess 13:
4(13) + 2 = 26
52 + 2 = 26
54 = 26 (False)
For the guess 36:
4(36) + 2 = 26
144 + 2 = 26
146 = 26 (False)
The only guess that makes the equation true is 6. So, the correct number Jaxon is thinking of is 6.