2(x + 7) + 3x = 12
what is the first step in solving this equation for x?
a) 2x + 14 + 3x = 12
b) 2x + 7 + 3x = 12
c) 2x + 14 = 9
d) 5x = -2

answer: first option i.e. 'a' is correct.

step-by-step explanation:

since we have given that

number of minutes to wrap a small gift box = 4 minutes

we need to find the number of gifts to be wrapped in 5 minutes

since there is a direct variation, as the number of minutes will increase with   number of gifts to be wrapped.

so, let the number of gifts to be wrapped in 5 minutes be x.

so, it becomes,

hence, first option 'a'   is correct.