To isolate the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the equation
[tex]\[ x + 3 = -12, \][/tex]
we need to eliminate the constant term on the same side as [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Currently, the constant term is [tex]\( +3 \)[/tex]. To get rid of this term, we should perform an operation that cancels it out, which would be subtracting 3 from both sides of the equation. This operation helps in isolating [tex]\( x \)[/tex] on one side.
So the correct one-step solution is:
[tex]\[ \text{Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation.} \][/tex]
By doing this, the equation becomes:
[tex]\[ x + 3 - 3 = -12 - 3, \][/tex]
which simplifies to:
[tex]\[ x = -15. \][/tex]
Thus, the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] has been successfully isolated.
