To find the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex] in the equation [tex]\( 5k - 2k = 12 \)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Combine like terms:
Start by combining the terms on the left-hand side of the equation. The terms [tex]\( 5k \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 2k \)[/tex] are like terms because they both contain [tex]\( k \)[/tex].
[tex]\[
5k - 2k = 3k
\][/tex]
So, the equation simplifies to:
[tex]\[
3k = 12
\][/tex]
2. Isolate the variable [tex]\( k \)[/tex]:
To solve for [tex]\( k \)[/tex], you need to isolate [tex]\( k \)[/tex] on one side of the equation. Do this by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient of [tex]\( k \)[/tex], which is 3.
[tex]\[
k = \frac{12}{3}
\][/tex]
3. Compute the division:
Perform the division to find the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\frac{12}{3} = 4
\][/tex]
So, the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 4 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct choice is [tex]\( 4 \)[/tex].
