Question

Which sentence explains the correct first step in the solution of this equation?

2(x−4)=12

A. Subtract 12 from both sides.
B. Add 4 to both sides.
C. Apply the distributive property to get 2x - 8 = 12
D. Apply the distributive property to get 2x - 4 = 12

Answer 1

Answer: like 5 years late but wtv

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer is choice C. We distribute the outer 2 into each of the inner terms (x and -4). Choice D is a trick answer because a lot of the time you might forget to multiply the 2 by the -4 inside the parenthesis (common mistake).

2 times x = 2x
2 times -4 = -8
2 times (x-4) = 2x-8

Side Note: Another path to solve this equation is to divide both sides by 2, then to add 4 to both sides.