Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property allows us to multiply a single term by each term inside a parenthesis. In the given equation, applying the distributive property is essential to simplify expressions like 3(x + 2) and 5(x - 12) before solving for x.
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Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. This step is crucial in simplifying equations to isolate the variable. In the equation provided, after applying the distributive property, combining like terms will help in simplifying both sides of the equation to solve for x.
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Isolating the Variable
Isolating the variable means rearranging the equation to get the variable (in this case, x) on one side and the constants on the other. This process often involves using inverse operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Successfully isolating x will lead to the solution of the equation.
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