Question

Consider the sequence of steps to solve the equation: 3(x − 4) + 5x = 9x − 36 Given ⇒ 3(x − 4) + 5x = 9x − 36 Step 1 ⇒ 3x − 12 + 5x = 9x − 36 Step 2 ⇒ 3x + 5x − 12 = 9x − 36 Step 3 ⇒ 8x − 12 = 9x − 36 Step 4 ⇒ 8x − 8x − 12 = 9x − 8x − 36 Step 5 ⇒ 0 − 12 = x − 36 Step 6 ⇒ −12 = x − 36 Step 7 ⇒ −12 + 36 = x − 36 + 36 Step 8 ⇒ 24 = x + 0 Step 9 ⇒ 24 = x Which property yields Step 1?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Distributive property

a(b - c) = ab - ac

3(x-4) = 3*x - 3*4

= 3x - 12