NAME 4. Solve this equation. Explain or show your reasoning. \( \frac{1}{2} x-7=\frac{1}{3}(x-12) \)
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To solve the equation \( \frac{1}{2} x - 7 = \frac{1}{3}(x - 12) \), first eliminate the fractions by multiplying both sides by 6 (the least common multiple of 2 and 3). This gives us: \[ 6 \left(\frac{1}{2} x - 7\right) = 6 \left(\frac{1}{3}(x - 12)\right) \] Which simplifies to: \[ 3x - 42 = 2(x - 12) \] Now distribute on the right: \[ 3x - 42 = 2x - 24 \] Next, isolate \( x \) by subtracting \( 2x \) from both sides: \[ 3x - 2x - 42 = -24 \] This simplifies to: \[ x - 42 = -24 \] Now, add 42 to both sides: \[ x = 18 \] So, the solution to the equation is \( x = 18 \). To check, substitute \( x = 18 \) back into the original equation: \[ \frac{1}{2}(18) - 7 = \frac{1}{3}(18 - 12) \] \[ 9 - 7 = \frac{1}{3}(6) \] \[ 2 = 2 \] Both sides are equal, confirming our solution is correct!