Question

Order the steps for solving the equation:
2x − 5 = 3 (4x + 5)
Your options are:
Combine Like Terms
Distrubitive property
Addition of equality
Subtraction of equality
Division of equality

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(2x - 5 = 3(4x + 5)\), we can arrange the steps as follows:

1. **Distributive property**: Apply the distributive property to the right side of the equation.
\[
2x - 5 = 12x + 15
\]

2. **Addition of equality**: Add 5 to both sides to eliminate the -5 on the left side.
\[
2x = 12x + 20
\]

3. **Subtraction of equality**: Subtract \(12x\) from both sides to move the \(x\) terms on one side.
\[
-10x = 20
\]

4. **Division of equality**: Divide both sides by -10 to solve for \(x\).
\[
x = -2
\]

5. **Combine Like Terms**: (This step is not specifically needed in this context because the terms are already grouped properly during the subtraction step; however, it might be considered at earlier stages if simplifying).

So, the correct order of steps to follow is:

1. Distributive property
2. Addition of equality
3. Subtraction of equality
4. Division of equality

Combining like terms is intrinsic within these steps but doesn't require a separate step in this instance.