Question

solve using distributive property
(show all work)
3w-1-4w=4-2w

Answer 1

the distributive property does not enter the picture here

3w-1-4w=4-2w
3w-4w+2w = 4+1
w = 5

Answer 2

I surely hope they didn't mean to have you solve it like this :

3w-4w+2w = 4+1
w(3-4+2) = 5
w(1) = 5
w = 5 ?????