Question

When solving the equation, which is the best first step to begin to simplify the equation?

Negative 2 (x + 3) = negative 10

(negative 2) (Negative 2) (x + 3) = negative 10 (negative 2)

Negative one-half (negative 2) (x + 3) = negative 10 (negative one-half)

StartFraction negative 2 over 2 EndFraction (x + 3) = StartFraction negative 10 over 2 EndFraction

StartFraction negative 2 over negative 10 EndFraction (x + 3) = StartFraction negative 10 over negative 10 EndFraction

Answer 1

Negative one-half (negative 2) (x + 3) = negative 10 (negative one-half)

Explanation:

Answer 2

Negative one-half (negative 2) (x + 3) = negative 10 (negative one-half)

Explanation:

Given the expression

- 2 (x + 3) = - 10

The first step in solving the expression is to multiply both sides by -1/2 as shown;

-1/2(-2)(x+3) = -1/2(-10)

(x +3) = 1/2(10)

x + 3 = 5

x = 5-3

x = 2

Hence the correct option is Negative one-half (negative 2) (x + 3) = negative 10 (negative one-half)