Question

complete the process of solving the equation. fill in all missing terms and select all missing descriptions. simplify any fractions. ( 3(s - 12) = -12 ) ( s - 12 = -4 ) ( s = 8 ) divide both sides by 3 (\boldsymbol{downarrow}) (\boldsymbol{downarrow}) add 12 to both sides subtract 12 from both sides multiply both sides by 12 divide both sides by 12 apply the distributive property

Explanation:

Step1: Apply distributive property

$3(a - 12) = -12$
$\implies 3a - 36 = -12$

Step2: Add 36 to both sides

$3a - 36 + 36 = -12 + 36$
$\implies 3a = 24$

Step3: Divide both sides by 3

$\frac{3a}{3} = \frac{24}{3}$
$\implies a = 8$

(Note: The given intermediate line $a - 12 = -4$ comes directly from dividing the original equation $3(a-12)=-12$ by 3 first, which is the provided "Divide both sides by 3" step. To connect $a - 12 = -4$ to $a=8$, the missing step is Add 12 to both sides)

Answer:

The missing description for the final step is "Add 12 to both sides", and the completed solution gives $a=8$.

• For the blank below $a - 12 = -4$: Add 12 to both sides
• Final solved value: $a=8$