Which step shows the result of applying the subtraction property of equality?

Question

One-fourth (12 x + 8) + 4 = 3

Step
Solution
1
3 x + 2 + 4 = 3
2
3 x + 6 = 3
3
3 x = negative 3
4
x = negative 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4

Answer 1

The subtraction property of equality states that if two expressions are equal, we can subtract the same value from both sides of the equation without changing the equality.

In the steps provided, the relevant application of the subtraction property occurs when we isolate the term with \( x \).

Looking at your steps:

1. Step 1: \( 3x + 2 + 4 = 3 \) (not applying the subtraction property yet)
2. Step 2: \( 3x + 6 = 3 \) (still not applying the subtraction property)
3. Step 3: \( 3x = -3 \) (this is the application of the subtraction property; we subtract 6 from both sides of Step 2)
4. Step 4: \( x = -1 \) (this is solving for \( x \) after applying the division property of equality)

Therefore, Step 3 shows the result of applying the subtraction property of equality, where 6 is subtracted from both sides of the equation.