Identify the first step in solving this equation for x

: 7(x − 8) = 49
. (1 point)
Responses

Multiply both sides by 7.
Multiply both sides by 7.

Add 8 to both sides.
Add 8 to both sides.

Divide both sides by 7.
Divide both sides by 7.

Divide only the left side by 7.

1 answer

The first step in solving the equation \( 7(x − 8) = 49 \) for \( x \) is to divide both sides by 7.

This simplification will allow you to isolate the expression inside the parentheses, making it easier to solve for \( x \).

So the correct response is:

Divide both sides by 7.