College

Which of these is not part of the solution process?

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

[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]

Answer :

To solve the given equation, let’s take a look at the solution process step by step and identify which option is not part of the process:

1. Original Equation:
[tex]\[
4(3x - 6) = 24
\][/tex]
The task is to simplify and solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex].

2. Step 1: Using the Distributive Property
- Multiply 4 by each term inside the parentheses:
[tex]\[
12x - 24 = 24
\][/tex]
This step involves using the distributive property, so option B is part of the solution process.

3. Step 2: Adding 24 to both sides
- To isolate the term with the variable [tex]\(x\)[/tex], add 24 to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
12x - 24 + 24 = 24 + 24
\][/tex]
- Simplifying both sides gives:
[tex]\[
12x = 48
\][/tex]
Adding 24 to both sides is used here, so option C is part of the solution process.

4. Step 3: Dividing both sides by 12
- To isolate [tex]\(x\)[/tex], divide both sides of the equation by 12:
[tex]\[
\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{48}{12}
\][/tex]
- Simplifying gives:
[tex]\[
x = 4
\][/tex]
Dividing both sides to isolate the variable is part of the process, so option D is included.

5. Simplifying by Combining Variable Terms
- In this specific equation, there are no like terms involving [tex]\(x\)[/tex] that need to be combined. Therefore, simplifying by combining variable terms does not occur in this process.

In summary, the step that is not part of the solution process is option A, which is simplifying by combining variable terms. There are no like terms to combine in this particular equation.