To solve the equation \(4(3x - 2) = -24\), here are the steps in the correct order:
Step 1: Distribute the 4 on the left side: \[ 4 \cdot 3x - 4 \cdot 2 = -24 \] This simplifies to: \[ 12x - 8 = -24 \]
Step 2: Add 8 to both sides to isolate the term with \(x\): \[ 12x - 8 + 8 = -24 + 8 \] This simplifies to: \[ 12x = -16 \]
Step 3: Divide both sides by 12 to solve for \(x\): \[ x = \frac{-16}{12} = \frac{-4}{3} \]
So the steps can be summarized as follows:
- Step 1: Distribute the 4: \(12x - 8 = -24\)
- Step 2: Add 8 to both sides: \(12x = -16\)
- Step 3: Divide both sides by 12: \(x = \frac{-4}{3}\)