Set 15: Linear Equations (Advanced)

Choice D is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. To isolate the variable, we subtract the constant from both sides. 1. Start with the equation: $x + 23 = 50$ 2. Subtract 23 from both sides: $x = 50 - 23$ 3. Calculate: $x = 27$ 4. Verify: $27+ 23 = 50$ ✓ This problem tests your understanding of inverse operations—specifically that subtraction undoes addition. Choice C is incorrect because this results from adding instead of subtracting: $50+ 23 = 73$. This is the opposite of what we need to do to isolate the variable. Choice C is incorrect because this might come from a calculation error. Perhaps misreading 50 as 60: $60- 23 = 37$, or another arithmetic mistake. Choice D is incorrect because this confuses the constant term (23) with the solution. Just because 23 appears in the equation doesn't mean it's the value of $x$.