Question

In the two-column proof below, justify each step in solving the equation by writing a reason for each statement.

Solve: 5x=8(x-3)

Answer 1

Here are the steps with reasons:

**Step 1:** Begin with the equation 5x = 8(x - 3).

**Step 2:** Apply the distributive property on the right side, multiplying 8 by both terms inside the parentheses. This results in 8x - 24.

**Step 3:** The equation now becomes 5x = 8x - 24, as we simplified the right side.

**Step 4:** To isolate x on one side of the equation, subtract 8x from both sides. This step is called the "Subtraction Property of Equality."

**Step 5:** This simplifies the equation to -3x = -24.

**Step 6:** To solve for x, divide both sides by -3. This is known as the "Division Property of Equality."

**Step 7:** The equation now reads x = 8,