Solve the equation $\dfrac{2x + 1}{3} = \dfrac{x - 4}{2}$.
A$x = -7$
B$x = -14$
C$x = 7$
D$x = 14$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. $x = -14$
Cross-multiply: $2(2x + 1) = 3(x - 4)$.
Expand: $4x + 2 = 3x - 12$.
Subtract $3x$: $x + 2 = -12$.
Subtract $2$: $x = -14$.
Check: $\dfrac{2(-14) + 1}{3} = \dfrac{-27}{3} = -9$ and $\dfrac{-14 - 4}{2} = \dfrac{-18}{2} = -9$ ✓.
- Trap A ($-7$) is the sign-correct but wrong scale.
- Trap C ($+7$) flips the sign.
- Trap D ($+14$) is the magnitude correct but sign wrong.
Classic GRE move: cross-multiply, distribute, isolate.
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