The first step in solving the equation \(-9 ( x - 5 ) = 45\) is to isolate the term with \(x\). To do this, you would first divide both sides by \(-9\).
So, the second step after you divide both sides by \(-9\) will be to take the resulting equation and solve for \(x\):
\[ x - 5 = -5 \]
After obtaining this, the next step would be to add 5 to both sides to solve for \(x\).
Thus, the correct step as per your options is:
Divide both sides by -9.
3 answers