What is the first step in solving the problem, 3x-8/12=9?
A) Add 8 to both sides.
B) Multiply by 12 on both sides.
C) Divide by 3 on both sides.
D) Subtract 9 on both sides.
I would multiply both sides by 12.
To solve the equation 3x - (8/12) = 9, the first step is to eliminate any fractions by finding a common denominator. In this case, the denominator is 12.
To do this, we can multiply every term in the equation by 12.
So, on both sides of the equation:
A) Add 8 to both sides. would be incorrect because we want to eliminate the fraction, not introduce additional terms.
B) Multiply by 12 on both sides. would be the correct first step as it helps eliminate the fraction:
12 * (3x) - 12 * (8/12) = 12 * (9)
12 * 3x - 12 * (8/12) = 108x - 8 = 108
C) Divide by 3 on both sides. would be incorrect since we want to eliminate the fraction, not divide by 3.
D) Subtract 9 on both sides. would be incorrect since we want to eliminate the fraction, not subtract 9.
Therefore, the correct first step in solving the equation is to multiply both sides by 12 (option B).