Question

How would I start to solve number 15? Would I use distributive property?

Answer 1

`-5-x=2x-(4x+6)`

Using the distributive property is the correct first step.
`(4x+6)` is being multiplied by -1, so distributing gives


`-5-x=2x+(-4x-6)`

`-5-x=2x+((-4x)+(-6))`

Now, using the associative property of addition, you get


`-5-x=(2x+(-4x))+(-6)`

`-5-x=(2x-4x)-6`

Simplify the right hand side:


`-5-x=-2x-6`

Add 5 and
`2x` to both sides.


`(2x+5)-5-x=(2x+5)-2x-6`

On the left side, use the associative property. On the right, commutativity and associativity:


`2x+(5-5)-x=5+(2x-2x)-6`

Simplify.


`2x-x=-1`

`x=-1`