Which is the most efficient first step to solve for x in the equation 3 point 7 x minus 18 is equal to negative 4 point 3 x minus 34 ?

Add 4.3x to both sides to gather the variable terms on the left: 3.7x + 4.3x − 18 = −34, so 8x − 18 = −34. This is the most efficient first step because it combines the x-terms; then you can add 18 to both sides. The correct choice is “Add 4.3x to both sides of the equation.”

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