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Advanced Math / Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables Difficulty: Hard

-5x+13=73

What is the sum of the solutions to the given equation?

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Explanation

Choice D is correct. By the definition of absolute value, if -5x+13=73, then -5x+13=73 or -5x+13=-73. Subtracting 13 from both sides of the equation -5x+13=73 yields - 5 x = 60 . Dividing both sides of this equation by - 5 yields x = - 12 . Subtracting 13 from both sides of the equation -5x+13=-73 yields - 5 x = - 86 . Dividing both sides of this equation by - 5 yields x = 86 5 . Therefore, the solutions to the given equation are - 12 and 86 5 , and it follows that the sum of the solutions to the given equation is -12+865, or 26 5 .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect. This is a solution, not the sum of the solutions, to the given equation.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.