Question

An equation is shown below:

−2(4x − 1) − 7 = 5

Which statement shows a correct next step in solving the equation?

Answer 1

Distribute -2 into (4x-1) to get rid of the parenthesis.

Explanation:

The first thing you should to in solving for 'x' is to get rid of the parentheses by distributing.

`-2(4x-1)-7=5\\\\-8x-2-7=5`

Of course, you would also combine like terms to completely simplify the equation to solve for x.

`-8x-9=5`

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

-2(4x-1)=5+7
(4x-1)=12/-2
4x=-6+1
x=-5/4