Final answer:
The error in solving the equation -2(x - 8) + 4x = -12 cannot be determined from the options provided as we need to see the actual steps taken. The correct approach should involve distributing the -2 across the (x - 8) and combining like terms correctly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The error made in solving the equation -2(x - 8) + 4x = -12 is not listed in the options provided, as we don't have enough information to understand what the actual mistake in the process was. To properly identify any potential error, we would need to see the outcome of the student's distribution and combination of terms. However, let's review the correct approach:
To solve this equation, you should apply the distribution property by multiplying -2 by both x and -8, which gives you -2x + 16. Next, you should combine like terms by adding -2x and +4x, which results in +2x. Now, the equation would simplify to 2x + 16 = -12. After this, you would subtract 16 from both sides to solve for x.
If a student made an error, it likely occurred during these steps. However, without additional information about how the student proceeded, we can only guess which error might have occurred. Therefore, if we are to assume there's an error as per the initial question, it is either Incorrectly distributing -2 to (x - 8), combining like terms incorrectly, or a different error not mentioned in the options.