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Question
Analyze the equation 12x + 18 = 3(4x + 6) and determine what type of solution set it represents, explaining the mathematical reasoning behind your conclusion. (1 point)
Responses

One unique solution at x = 3
One unique solution at x = 3

Solution set containing only negative numbers
Solution set containing only negative numbers

Identity with infinite solutions because both sides simplify to the same expression
Identity with infinite solutions because both sides simplify to the same expression

No solution because the sides are unequal
No solution because the sides are unequal

1 answer

To analyze the equation \(12x + 18 = 3(4x + 6)\), we'll first simplify both sides of the equation.

Starting with the right side:

\[ 3(4x + 6) = 3 \cdot 4x + 3 \cdot 6 = 12x + 18 \]

Now our equation looks like this:

\[ 12x + 18 = 12x + 18 \]

Next, we can subtract \(12x\) from both sides:

\[ 12x + 18 - 12x = 12x + 18 - 12x \]

This simplifies to:

\[ 18 = 18 \]

Since this is a true statement and holds for all values of \(x\), it indicates that there are infinite solutions to the equation. The left-hand side is always equal to the right-hand side regardless of the value of \(x\). Therefore, the equation represents an identity.

Thus, the correct conclusion is:

Identity with infinite solutions because both sides simplify to the same expression.