for which of the equations would you divide by 3 as the first step in the solution

Answer 1

You didn't list the possible answers so I'll take a guess at some answers that might help you solve your problem.

Let's say the possible answers were:

A 4x − 3 = 5

B 2x + 1 = 3

C x/3 = 7

D. 15 = 3x

In order to solve an algebraic equation like these, we "un-do" the equation by using the order of operations backwards. The order of operations is PEMDAS which stands for:

P = Parentheses

E = Exponents

MD = Multiplication or Division (or Division or Multiplication)

AS = Addition or Subtraction (or Subtraction or Addition)

To "un-do an equation, you start with "AS". If there are any addition or subtractions in the problem, then you un-do these first. The way you "un-do" them, is to do their opposites.

In possible answer A, there is a subtraction. The way to un-do a subtraction of 3 is to do the opposite, add 3. So that is not the answer to this problem (we are looking for "divide by 3").

In possible answer B, there is aa addition. The way to un-do an addition of 1 is to do the opposite, subtract 1. So that is not the answer to this problem (we are looking for "divide by 3").

Next we look for multiplication or division.

In possible answer C, there is a division. The way to un-do a division of 3 is to do the opposite, multiply by 3. So that is not the answer to this problem (we are looking for "divide by 3").

In possible answer D, there is a multiplication. The way to un-do a multiplication of 3 is to do the opposite, divide by 3. So that is the correct answer to this problem