Question

this is a multi - part item. to solve the equation $2^{x - 1}-7 = 9$, first write each side with base 2; add 7 to each side; divide both sides by 2

Explanation:

Step1: Identify first isolation step

To isolate the exponential term $2^{x-1}$, we first eliminate the constant $-7$ by adding 7 to both sides of the equation.
$2^{x-1} - 7 + 7 = 9 + 7$

Step2: Verify incorrect options

Dividing by 2 first would complicate the term $2^{x-1}$ unnecessarily, and rewriting with base 2 is only possible after isolating the exponential term.

Answer:

add 7 to each side