Question

Explain your first step to solving the equation, 3 (x+ 4.5) = 36

keyword: EXPLAIN

Answer 1

Answer:

$first \: open \: the \: brackets \\ 3x + 13.5 = 36 \\ x = 7.5$

OR

$first \: divide \: 3 \: on \: both \: sides \\ \frac{3(x + 4.5)}{3} = \frac{36}{3} \\ x + 4.5 = 12 \\ x = 7.5$