In the equation 3x + 5 = 11, what does the equals sign (=) signify?

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Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the interpretation of the equals sign in the equation 3x + 5 = 11, specifically what the equals sign signifies in terms of values.

Answer

**b. That $3x + 5$ and $11$ represent the same value.**
Answer for screen readers

The correct answer is:

b. That $3x + 5$ and $11$ represent the same value.

Steps to Solve

  1. Understanding the Equation The equation $3x + 5 = 11$ shows that the left-hand side (LHS) and the right-hand side (RHS) are equal.

  2. Meaning of the Equals Sign The equals sign ($=$) indicates that the two sides of the equation represent the same value. Therefore, whatever the LHS evaluates to, it must equal the RHS.

  3. Analyzing the Options We need to evaluate the provided options to see which one accurately reflects the meaning of the equals sign.

  4. Identifying the Correct Statement The correct option should state that the expressions on both sides of the equals sign are equal or represent the same value.

The correct answer is:

b. That $3x + 5$ and $11$ represent the same value.

More Information

The equals sign in an equation signifies equivalence. In this case, it shows that the value of $3x + 5$ is exactly the same as $11$ when $x$ is calculated correctly. Unequal relations would be represented differently.

Tips

  • Misunderstanding the Equals Sign: Some might think it indicates only a numeric value or might consider it as a variable. Remember, it signifies equivalence, not variable status.
  • Confusion with Order: Failing to realize that both expressions must equal each other as a fundamental property of equations.
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