Question

Which is a reasonable first step that can be used to solve the equation 4 x + 3 (x + 2) = 5 (2 x minus 3)? Distribute the 3 to x + 2, and distribute the 5 to (2x – 3). Combine 4x and x on the left side of the equation. Apply the subtraction property of equality to move the 2 from the left to the right side of the equation. Apply the addition property of equality to move the 3 from the right to the left side of the equation.

Answer 1

Distribute the 3 to x + 2, and distribute the 5 to (2x – 3).

Explanation:

Answer 2

Distribute the 3 to x + 2, and distribute the 5 to (2x – 3).

Explanation:

Given

`4x + 3(x + 2) = 5(2x - 3)`

Required

Reasonable first step

The reasonable first step is to open the brackets; i.e. distribute 3 to its bracket and 5 to its bracket.

This gives:

`4x + 3(x + 2) = 5(2x - 3)`

`4x + 3x + 6 = 10x - 15`

Then the solution can be continued