College

Steps for solving [tex]4(3x - 6) = 24[/tex] are shown:

[tex]
\begin{aligned}
4(3x - 6) & = 24 & & \text{Original Equation} \\
12x - 24 & = 24 & & \text{Step 1} \\
12x - 24 + 24 & = 24 + 24 & & \text{Step 2} \\
12x & = 48 & & \text{Step 3} \\
\frac{12x}{12} & = \frac{48}{12} & & \text{Step 4} \\
x & = 4 & & \text{Step 5}
\end{aligned}
[/tex]

Which of these is not part of the solution process?

A. Using the distributive property
B. Adding 24 to both sides to isolate the variable term
C. Dividing both sides by 12 to isolate the variable
D. Simplifying by combining variable terms

Answer :

Let's go through the steps of solving the equation [tex]\(4(3x - 6) = 24\)[/tex] to determine which option is not part of the solution process.

Step 1: Start with the original equation:
[tex]\[ 4(3x - 6) = 24 \][/tex]

Step 2: Apply the distributive property to expand the left side:
[tex]\[ 12x - 24 = 24 \][/tex]

Step 3: Add 24 to both sides to eliminate the constant term on the left side:
[tex]\[ 12x - 24 + 24 = 24 + 24 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 12x = 48 \][/tex]

Step 4: Divide both sides by 12 to isolate the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{12x}{12} = \frac{48}{12} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x = 4 \][/tex]

Now, let's identify the options:

A. Using the distributive property - This was done in Step 2 to simplify the expression.

B. Adding 24 to both sides to isolate the variable term - This was done in Step 3 to move the constant term from the left side.

C. Dividing both sides by 12 to isolate the variable - This was done in Step 4 to solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex].

D. Simplifying by combining variable terms - This option does not appear in our solution process. There were no multiple variable terms to combine, so this step was not necessary for this equation.

Therefore, the step that is not part of the solution process is:
D. Simplifying by combining variable terms