1. The problem involves simplifying the equation $$\frac{96a}{96} + \frac{1392d}{96} = \frac{0}{96}$$ by dividing every term by 96. 2. The formula used here is the property of equality: dividing both sides of an equation by the same nonzero number does not change the equality. 3. Applying division by 96 to each term: $$\frac{96a}{96} + \frac{1392d}{96} = \frac{0}{96}$$ 4. Simplify each fraction: $$\cancel{\frac{96a}{96}} + \frac{1392d}{96} = 0$$ Since $$\frac{96a}{96} = a$$ 5. Next, simplify $$\frac{1392d}{96}$$: $$\frac{1392d}{96} = \frac{\cancel{96} \times 14.5 d}{\cancel{96}} = 14.5 d$$ 6. So the simplified equation is: $$a + 14.5 d = 0$$ 7. This means after dividing all terms by 96, the equation reduces to $$a + 14.5 d = 0$$ which is easier to work with. This step is valid because dividing all terms by the same nonzero number preserves equality.