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

[tex]\[

\begin{aligned}

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{aligned}

\][/tex]

Which of these is not part of the solution process?

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

We are given the equation

[tex]$$
4(3x-6)=24.
$$[/tex]

Let’s solve it step by step and compare with the options.

1. Distribute the 4:
Multiply through the parentheses using the distributive property:

[tex]$$
4(3x-6) = 4 \cdot 3x - 4 \cdot 6 = 12x - 24.
$$[/tex]

2. Isolate the variable term:
Add 24 to both sides of the equation to eliminate the constant term on the left-hand side:

[tex]$$
12x-24+24 = 24+24 \quad \Longrightarrow \quad 12x = 48.
$$[/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]$x$[/tex]:
Divide both sides of the equation by 12:

[tex]$$
\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{48}{12} \quad \Longrightarrow \quad x = 4.
$$[/tex]

Now, let’s review the answer choices:

A. Adding 24 to both sides to isolate the variable term:
This step was used in step 2.

B. Using the distributive property:
This step was used in step 1.

C. Dividing both sides by 12 to isolate the variable:
This step was done in step 3.

D. Simplifying by combining variable terms:
There was no step where any variable terms were combined since there was only one variable term already.

Since option D is not used in the solution process, the correct answer is D.