Identify the first step in solving this equation for x : 7(x − 8) = 49
Multiply both sides by 7.
Add 8 to both sides.
Divide both sides by 7.
Divide only the left side by 7
To solve the equation 7(x − 8) = 49, the first step is to divide both sides by 7.
The first step in solving the equation 7(x − 8) = 49 is to divide both sides of the equation by 7.
By doing this, we isolate the variable x on one side of the equation, making it easier to find its value. Dividing both sides by 7 cancels out the coefficient of 7 on the left side, resulting in (x - 8) = 7.
Dividing only the left side by 7 would not properly isolate the variable x and solve the equation. So, the correct first step is to divide both sides of the equation by 7.