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When a somebody asks you to solve a problem and "show your work," how much detail should be shown?

For a simple example, if I were to solve $5x+7=17$, should I do: $$5x+7=17$$ $$5x+7-7=17-7$$ $$5x=10$$ $$\frac{5x}{5}=\frac{10}{5}$$ $$x=2$$ or $$5x+7=17$$ $$5x=10$$ $$x=2$$

In my math class, I have actually seen it both ways.

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    Depends upon the proficiency of the reader.2012-11-29
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    The best person to answer this question is the person who will be grading the work. I recommend showing these examples to that person and seeing which one they say is more like what they are looking for. Every teacher has their personal preferences and grading style, and your best bet to make sure you are not showing too little work is to check with every teacher who wants you to show work exactly what they are expecting. I've never been or seen anyone marked off for showing too much work, either, so if in doubt, put in extra steps.2012-11-29

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