Question
Ms, Wilson is solving the equation: 7x−4=3(4x+12)
. Here are her steps so far
Step 1 (the Distributive Property): 7x−4=12x+36
Step 2 (the Additional Property of Equality): 7x=12x+40
What should Ms. Wilson do next to solve this equation correctly?
Responses
Divide all terms by 7.
Divide all terms by 7.
Subtract 40 from both sides of the equation.
Subtract 40 from both sides of the equation.
Subtract 12x from both sides of the equation.
Subtract 12x from both sides of the equation.
Multiply all terms by x.
None of the given options are correct. The correct next step for Ms. Wilson to solve the equation correctly would be to subtract 12x from both sides of the equation.
To solve the equation 7x - 4 = 3(4x + 12) correctly, Ms. Wilson should divide all terms by 7.
Explanation:
Step 3 (Divide all terms by 7): Dividing both sides of the equation by 7 will help isolate the variable x on one side of the equation. This step eliminates the coefficient of x on the left side, making it easier to solve for x.
After dividing all terms by 7, the equation becomes:
x - (4/7) = (4/7)x + 12/7
Ms. Wilson can then proceed to simplify the equation further if needed.