Michael and John are working on the same math problem. Identify which of the two students is correct and explain why that student is correct.
Michael
3x - 4 = 2x + 1
-2x -2x
x - 4 = 1
+4 - 4
x = -3
John.
3x - 4 = 2x + 1
-2x -2x
x - 4 = 1
+4 +4
x = 5
Based on the given information, Michael is correct.
Michael correctly subtracted 2x from both sides of the equation, which is a valid step in solving the equation. He then simplified the equation correctly by combining like terms (x - 4). Finally, he added 4 to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable x, resulting in x = -3.
On the other hand, John made an error when he added 4 to both sides of the equation. This error led to an incorrect solution of x = 5. Therefore, John's solution is incorrect.