Final answer:
To solve the equation, combine like terms within the parentheses, distribute, then rearrange the equation to isolate the variable. Finally, divide both sides by the coefficient of the variable to find the value of x.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the first possible steps to solve the given equation 5(4x - 1.5x) + 12 = 4x - 2, we follow the order of operations and simplify. First, we combine like terms inside the parentheses:
5(2.5x) + 12 = 4x - 2
Next, distribute the 5 into the parentheses:
12.5x + 12 = 4x - 2
Then, we could subtract 4x from both sides to get all the x's on one side and the constants on the other:
8.5x + 12 = -2
Afterward, we can subtract 12 from both sides to isolate the variable term:
8.5x = -14
Finally, divide both sides by 8.5 to solve for x:
x = -14/8.5
This result can then be further simplified, or you can use a calculator to find a decimal approximation if required.