To solve the equation [tex]\( 3.7x - 15.9 = 2.97 \)[/tex], we need to isolate the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
The first step is to undo any addition or subtraction around the variable. Since [tex]\( -15.9 \)[/tex] is subtracted from [tex]\( 3.7x \)[/tex], we should do the inverse operation, which is adding.
Thus, the correct first step is:
- Add 15.9 to both sides because it is the inverse operation of subtraction.
This step helps to isolate the term containing [tex]\( x \)[/tex] by neutralizing the [tex]\( -15.9 \)[/tex] on the left side.
