To solve the equation \(3(x - 4) = 18\), you can indeed divide by 3 and then add 4.
Let's analyze the options given:
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First, multiply by 13, then subtract 4.
This does not lead to a solution relevant to the given equation, as it's not a valid operation for isolating the variable. -
First, multiply by \( \frac{1}{3} \), then subtract 4.
This helps in dividing by 3 but not in isolating \( x \) correctly. -
First, divide by 3, then subtract 4.
This would not result in the correct answer since subtracting 4 after dividing will not isolate x correctly. -
First, distribute the 3, then add 12, and lastly divide by 3.
This option is a valid way to rearrange and simplify the equation. Distributing gives \( 3x - 12 = 18 \). Adding 12 results in \( 3x = 30 \), and then dividing by 3 gives \( x = 10 \). -
First, distribute the 3, then add 4, and lastly divide by 3.
This does not lead to isolating \( x \) correctly as the addition does not align with the equation's balance.
From this analysis, the correct method resulting in the answer is:
First, distribute the 3, then add 12, and lastly divide by 3.
This option correctly follows the steps to isolate \( x \).