To solve the equation [tex]\(2(x - 3) = 12\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Distribute the 2 on the left side:
[tex]\[ 2(x - 3) = 2 \cdot x - 2 \cdot 3 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 2(x - 3) = 2x - 6 \][/tex]
So the equation now is:
[tex]\[ 2x - 6 = 12 \][/tex]
2. Add 6 to both sides to isolate the term with [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 2x - 6 + 6 = 12 + 6 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 2x = 18 \][/tex]
3. Divide both sides of the equation by 2 to solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{2x}{2} = \frac{18}{2} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x = 9 \][/tex]
Thus, the solution to the equation [tex]\(2(x - 3) = 12\)[/tex] is [tex]\( x = 9 \)[/tex].