Question

When solving the equation −12(x+10)=−3
, identify the operation that should be done first.(1 point)
Responses

add 10
add 10

multiply by −2
multiply by negative 2

subtract 10
subtract 10

divide by −2

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(-12(x + 10) = -3\), you should first address the multiplication on the left side. The equation involves distributing or dividing.

To simplify the equation, you would typically start by dividing both sides by -12 to isolate \(x + 10\).

So the correct first operation to consider is:

**divide by -12.**

However, since this option isn't listed in your responses, the closest option to initiate the solving process is:

**multiply by -2.**

This is because if you were to multiply each side by -1 (which is similar to multiplying by -2 in effect), you would eliminate the negative signs, and it could lead you more directly into the next step.

Given the responses:

- add 10
- multiply by −2
- subtract 10
- divide by −2

The best answer from the options provided for the first operation in the process is:

**multiply by -2.**