What is the first step in solving for x in the equation 5.6(x+1.42)=7.85.6(x+1.42)=7.8 ?

Question

Subtract 1.42 from both sides.
Subtract 1.42 from both sides.

Divide both sides by 5.6.
Divide both sides by 5.6.

Multiply both sides by 5.6.
Multiply both sides by 5.6.

Only the left-hand side was divided by 5.6.

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 5.6(x + 1.42) = 7.8 \), the first step should be to simplify the equation by isolating \( x \). The best first step in this case is to divide both sides of the equation by \( 5.6 \).

So, the correct first step is:

Divide both sides by 5.6.

After that, you can proceed to solve for \( x + 1.42 \) and then isolate \( x \).