To analyze the steps taken to solve the equation \( 24(34 + x) = 1,200 \) and provide reasons for each step, we can break them down as follows:
Step 1: 816 + 24x = 1,200
Reason: This step involves distributing \( 24 \) across the expression \( (34 + x) \). Specifically, \( 24 \times 34 \) equals \( 816 \) and \( 24 \times x \) equals \( 24x \). Therefore, after distribution, we rewrite the equation as \( 816 + 24x = 1,200 \).
Step 2: 816 - 816 + 24x = 1,200 - 816
Reason: This step is applying the property of equality, which states that if you subtract the same number from both sides of an equation, the two sides remain equal. Here, \( 816 \) is subtracted from both sides to isolate the term containing \( x \). The left side simplifies to \( 24x \), while the right side simplifies to \( 384 \).
Step 3: 24x = 384
Reason: This step simplifies the equation from Step 2. After performing the subtractions, we state the resulting equation, which is now \( 24x = 384 \).
Step 4: x = 16
Reason: Here, we divide both sides of the equation by \( 24 \) to isolate \( x \). Dividing \( 384 \) by \( 24 \) yields \( 16 \), resulting in the solution \( x = 16 \).
In summary:
- Distribution (Step 1): The multiplication of \( 24 \) across \( (34 + x) \).
- Subtraction (Step 2): Equal subtraction of \( 816 \) from both sides to isolate \( x \).
- Simplification (Step 3): Resulting equation from the previous step.
- Division (Step 4): Isolating \( x \) by dividing both sides by \( 24 \).