Identify the first step in solving this equation for x: 7 ( x - 8 ) = 49

Question

Add 8 to both sides

Divide only the left side by 7

Multiply both sides by 7

Divide both sides by 7

Answer 1

The first step in solving the equation \( 7 ( x - 8 ) = 49 \) is to divide both sides by 7.

So the correct choice is:

Divide both sides by 7.

This simplifies the equation and allows you to isolate the term containing \( x \).