High School

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

Answer :

Let's go through the solution process step by step to identify which part is not included:

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

2. Step 1 - Using the Distributive Property: The expression [tex]\(4(3x - 6)\)[/tex] is expanded to [tex]\(12x - 24\)[/tex]. This step uses the distributive property, which means multiplying 4 by each term inside the parentheses.

3. Step 2 - Adding to Both Sides: To isolate the term with the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex], we add 24 to both sides:
[tex]\(12x - 24 + 24 = 24 + 24\)[/tex],
which simplifies to [tex]\(12x = 48\)[/tex].

4. Step 3 - Dividing Both Sides: Now, to solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex], we divide both sides by 12:
[tex]\(\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{48}{12}\)[/tex],
which gives [tex]\(x = 4\)[/tex].

Now, let's match these steps with the provided options:

- A. Simplifying by combining variable terms: This is not part of the solution process. There was no need to combine terms involving the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex], since there were no like terms to combine.

- B. Dividing both sides by 12 to isolate the variable: This is done in Step 3.

- C. Adding 24 to both sides to isolate the variable term: This is done in Step 2.

- D. Using the distributive property: This is done in Step 1.

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