Question

Sarah wrote the following steps to simplify the expression (8x – 6y – 5x).

Step 1: 8x – 5x – 6y; using commutative property of addition
Step 2: (8x – 5x) – 6y; using associative property of addition
Step 3: x(8 – 5 – 6); using distributive property of addition
Step 4: x(-3); simplifying

Which step was incorrect, and what should be the correct step that Sarah should use?

Step 2 was incorrect. Correct step: 8x – (5y − 6y); using associative property of addition

Step 3 was incorrect. Correct step: 8x – (5 + 6) y; using distributive property of addition

Step 3 was incorrect. Co

Answer 1

Step 3 is incorrect.
Step 3: x(8 – 5 – 6); using distributive property of addition
the variable attached to 6 is y not x.