High School

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

[tex]\[

\begin{array}{rl}

4(3x - 6) & = 24 \quad \text{Original Equation} \\

12x - 24 & = 24 \quad \text{Step 1} \\

12x - 24 + 24 & = 24 + 24 \quad \text{Step 2} \\

12x & = 48 \quad \text{Step 3} \\

\frac{12x}{12} & = \frac{48}{12} \quad \text{Step 4} \\

x & = 4 \quad \text{Step 5}

\end{array}

\][/tex]

Which of these is not part of the solution process?

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

Answer :

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

1. Original Equation:
[tex]\[
4(3x - 6) = 24
\][/tex]

2. Step 1 - Using the distributive property:
[tex]\[
12x - 24 = 24
\][/tex]
* Here, the distributive property is used to multiply 4 with both terms inside the parentheses, so this step is correct and necessary.

3. Step 2 - Adding 24 to both sides:
[tex]\[
12x - 24 + 24 = 24 + 24
\][/tex]
* This step involves adding 24 to both sides to help isolate the variable term. This step is correct and part of the solution process.

4. Step 3:
[tex]\[
12x = 48
\][/tex]
* After adding 24 to both sides, the equation simplifies correctly. This step is shown as Step 3.

5. Step 4 - Dividing both sides by 12:
[tex]\[
\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{48}{12}
\][/tex]
* Dividing both sides by 12 isolates the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex]. This is necessary to solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex].

6. Step 5:
[tex]\[
x = 4
\][/tex]
* The solution for [tex]\(x\)[/tex] is obtained, completing the process.

Now, let’s identify which option is not part of the solution process:

- Option A: Using the distributive property is applied in Step 1, so it is part of the solving process.
- Option C: Dividing both sides by 12 to isolate the variable is applied in Step 4, so it is part of the solving process.
- Option D: Adding 24 to both sides to isolate the variable term is applied in Step 2, so it is part of the solving process.
- Option B: Simplifying by combining variable terms does not occur in the solution process. The equation does not require combining any variable terms, as there is only one variable term. Therefore, Option B is not part of the solution process.

The step that is not part of the solution process is B. Simplifying by combining variable terms.