One method for solving 3 ( x - 4 ) = 18 is to first divide by 3, then add 4. Which method below would also result in the correct answer?
A) first, divide by 3, then subtract 4.
B) first, multiply by 1/3, then subtract 4.
C) first, distribute the 3, then add 12, and lastly divide by 3.
D) first, distribute the 3, then add 4, and lastly divide by 3
The correct answer is D) first, distribute the 3, then add 4, and lastly divide by 3.
Here is the step-by-step solution:
3(x - 4) = 18
3x - 12 = 18 (distributing the 3)
3x = 30 (adding 12 to both sides)
x = 10 (dividing both sides by 3)