What is the first step to solve the equation \( x/3 + 2 = 5 \)?

What is the first step to solve the equation \( x/3 + 2 = 5 \)?

• A. Subtract 2 from both sides
• B. Add 2 to both sides
• C. Multiply both sides by 3
• D. Divide both sides by 3

Answer: (A)

To begin solving the equation \( x/3 + 2 = 5 \), the goal is to isolate the variable \( x \). The first step in this process involves eliminating the constant on the left side of the equation. Subtracting 2 from both sides effectively simplifies the equation by removing this constant, allowing us to focus on the term that includes \( x \). This action transforms the equation into \( x/3 = 3 \), which is much clearer and sets up the next step of solving for \( x \). Each of the other methods suggested would not effectively bring us closer to isolating \( x \). For example, adding 2 would complicate the equation further, multiplying would not address the addition of 2 and would also complicate the expression, and dividing both sides by 3 would incorrectly assume that \( x \) is already isolated, which is not the case here. Therefore, the correct approach starts with subtracting 2 from both sides.

To begin solving the equation ( x/3 + 2 = 5 ), the goal is to isolate the variable ( x ). The first step in this process involves eliminating the constant on the left side of the equation.

Subtracting 2 from both sides effectively simplifies the equation by removing this constant, allowing us to focus on the term that includes ( x ). This action transforms the equation into ( x/3 = 3 ), which is much clearer and sets up the next step of solving for ( x ).

Each of the other methods suggested would not effectively bring us closer to isolating ( x ). For example, adding 2 would complicate the equation further, multiplying would not address the addition of 2 and would also complicate the expression, and dividing both sides by 3 would incorrectly assume that ( x ) is already isolated, which is not the case here. Therefore, the correct approach starts with subtracting 2 from both sides.