Question

Jan wrote the following steps to simplify the expression (3x – 4y – x).

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

Which step was incorrect, and what should be the correct step that Jean should use?
Answer
Step 2 was incorrect. Correct step: (3x – x) – 4y; using associative property of addition
Step 1 was incorrect. Correct step: 3x – 4y + x; using commutative property of addition
Step 2 was incorrect.