Question

An equation is shown below:

4(x − 3) − 5(x + 1) = 3

Which statement shows a correct next step in solving the equation? (1 point)

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

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

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

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

Answer 1

It would be option C, because the distribution property is being used to distribute 4 to x and 3 and to distribute -5 to x and 1.

Answer 2

It would be C because of PEMDAS. So you would take 4(x-3) would be 4x-12 and 5(x+1) would be 5x+5. Do you need the next step?