Question

Identify the first step in solving this equation for x: 7(x-8) =49
multiply both sides by 7, add 8 to both sides, divide only the left side by 7, divide both sides by 7

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 7(x - 8) = 49 \), the first step would be to **divide both sides by 7**. This simplifies the equation and allows you to isolate the expression involving \( x \).

So the correct choice is: **divide both sides by 7**.