Final answer:
The best first step when solving the equation 2s + 3(s + 1) = 2s + 3 is to use the distributive property to multiply the quantity (s + 1) by 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best first step when solving the equation 2s + 3(s + 1) = 2s + 3 is to use the distributive property to multiply the quantity (s + 1) by 3. This step allows us to simplify the equation and eliminate the parentheses. Distributing the 3 to both terms inside the parentheses gives us: 2s + 3s + 3 = 2s + 3.
Learn more about Solving equations using the distributive property