Question

Karen wrote the following steps to simplify the expression: 4 – (2x + 3x – 1).

0: 4 – (2x + 3x – 1)---Given
step 1: 4 – 2x – 3x + 1---Distributive Property
step 2: 4 + 1 – 2x – 3x---Associative Property of Addition
step 3: (4 + 1) + (–2x – 3x)---Associative Property of Addition
step 4: 5 – 5x--Combine Like Terms

Which step of justification is incorrect, and what should the justification for that step be to simplify the expression?

Step 4; Distributive Property
Step 2; Commutative Property of Addition
Step 3; Associative Property of Multiplication
Step 1; Multiplication Property of Equation

Answer 1

I don't think that's the associative property of addition (step 2), i think that's commutativity.

Answer 2

You were right, thank you :)