Question

An equation is shown below:

4(x - 3) - 5(x + 1) = 3

Which statement shows a correct next step in solving the equation?

The equation can become 4x - 12 - 5x - 5 = 3 by applying the associative property of multiplication.

The equation can become 4x - 3 - 5x + 1 = 3 by applying the associative property of multiplication.

The equation can become 4x - 3 - 5x + 1 = 3 by applying the distributive property.

The equation can become 4x - 12 - 5x - 5 = 3 by applying the distributive property.

Answer 1

I think that it is A but I am not 100% sure

Answer 2

associate means "put parens around"
distribute means "take parens away"

Answer 3

though with distribute, you have to multiply each term inside the parens by the outer term before you can take away the parens.

Answer 4

So it's D?

Answer 5

@phi