Use the distributive property to write an equivalent variable expression.

Question

-2(5 + x - 1)
\

Answer 1

To use the distributive property on the expression \(-2(5 + x - 1)\), you will multiply \(-2\) by each term inside the parentheses.

1. First, simplify the expression inside the parentheses: \[ 5 + x - 1 = 4 + x \] So, we rewrite the expression as: \[ -2(4 + x) \]

2. Now, apply the distributive property: \[ -2 \cdot 4 + (-2) \cdot x \]

3. Calculate the products: \[ -8 - 2x \]

Thus, the equivalent variable expression is: \[ -2x - 8 \]