Question

When solving the equation 3(x-2)=-12, what is a possible first step?

A) Distributing the 3 into each term of the parenthesis.
B) She could either divide by 3 or distribute 3 into the parenthesis
C) Adding 2 to each side of the equation
D) Subtracting 2 on each side of the equation
E) Dividing each side of the equation by 3
F) none of the answer choices tell what the first step could be.

Answer 1

Answer is B. She could either divide by 3 or distribute 3 into the parentheses

Explanation

To divide by 3

3(x-2) = -12
3/3 (x-2) = -12/3
x -2 = -4
x = -4 +2
x = -2

To distribute multiply

3(x-2) = -12
3x -6 = -12
3x = -12 +6
3x = -6
3/3 x = -6/3
x = -2

Both methods solved = -2

Answer 2

A

Explanation: