Question

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

Step
Mathematical Statement
Justification
0
4 – (2x + 3x – 1)
Given
1
4 – 2x – 3x + 1
Distributive Property
2
4 + 1 – 2x – 3x
Associative Property of Addition
3
(4 + 1) + (–2x – 3x)
Associative Property of Addition
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?

Answer 1

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