The equation 8x − 12 = 4x represents two cars traveling in opposite directions, where x represents the distance in miles between the cars. What is the distance, in miles, between the cars?

Question

x = 48
x = 30
x = 3
x = 1

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(8x - 12 = 4x\) for \(x\), we will first isolate \(x\).

1. Subtract \(4x\) from both sides:

\[ 8x - 4x - 12 = 0 \]

This simplifies to:

\[ 4x - 12 = 0 \]

2. Next, add 12 to both sides:

\[ 4x = 12 \]

3. Now, divide both sides by 4:

\[ x = 3 \]

Thus, the distance between the cars is \(\boxed{3}\) miles.