4(3x−2)=−24

Question

Correctly order the steps used to solve this equation

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(4(3x - 2) = -24\), we can follow these steps in order:

1. Distribute the 4:
   \(4 \cdot 3x - 4 \cdot 2 = -24\)
   This simplifies to:
   \(12x - 8 = -24\)

2. Add 8 to both sides:
   \(12x - 8 + 8 = -24 + 8\)
   This simplifies to:
   \(12x = -16\)

3. Divide both sides by 12:
   \(\frac{12x}{12} = \frac{-16}{12}\)
   This simplifies to:
   \(x = -\frac{4}{3}\)

So, the correct order of steps is:

1. Distribute the 4.
2. Add 8 to both sides.
3. Divide both sides by 12.