2x - one over four of (12x + 4) = 3 in the original statement is expressed as 2x - 0.25 *(12x +4). The "of" conjunction means multiplication. Therefore,the statement is expressed as 2x - 3x -1 = 3. Step one shows different signs on the third and second terms as it did not consider the negative sign. The answer hence is A. <span>Step 1, because incorrect signs have been used</span>