Question

Identify the first step in solving this equation for x : 7(x − 8) = 49 . (1 point)
Responses

Add 8 to both sides.
Add 8 to both sides.

Divide both sides by 7.
Divide both sides by 7.

Divide only the left side by 7.
Divide only the left side by 7.

Multiply both sides by 7.

Divide both sides by 7.

The first step in solving the equation 7(x - 8) = 49 for x is to divide both sides by 7. Dividing both sides by 7 will eliminate the coefficient of 7 on the left side of the equation and allow us to isolate x. Here's how you can do it:

1. Start with the equation: 7(x - 8) = 49.

2. Divide both sides of the equation by 7: (7(x - 8))/7 = 49/7.

3. Simplify: x - 8 = 7.

Now, you can move on to further solving the equation by performing additional steps such as adding 8 to both sides to isolate x. But for the first step, dividing both sides by 7 is the correct choice.

The first step in solving the equation 7(x - 8) = 49 is to divide both sides by 7.