Question

In order to solve the equation below, what would be a valid first step? 4(x + 8) = 34 - 2x O Simply x + 8 to 8x. O Subtract 8 from both sides O Subtract x from both sides. O Distribute the 4

Answer 1

We have the expression:

`4(x+8)=34-2x`

The first step should be apply the distributive property to the term 4(x+8), so then we can group the like terms:

`\begin{gathered} 4(x+8)=34-2x \\ 4x+32=34-2x \\ \ldots \end{gathered}`

Answer: distribute the 4.