Question

When solving an equation, Drew's first step is shown below. Which property justifies Drew's first step?
Original Equation:
Original Equation:
2, left parenthesis, x, plus, minus, 4, right parenthesis, equals, minus, 3
2(x+−4)=
−3
First Step:
First Step:
2, x, plus, minus, 8, equals, minus, 3
2x+−8=
−3
Answer
Multiple Choice Answers
addition property of equality
commutative property of multiplication
distributive property of multiplication over addition
commutative property of addition

Answer 1

Drew's first step involves distributing the 2 across the terms inside the parentheses in the expression \( 2(x - 4) \). This is exemplified by calculating \( 2 \times x \) (which gives \( 2x \)) and \( 2 \times -4 \) (which gives \( -8 \)), resulting in \( 2x - 8 \).

The property that justifies this step is the **distributive property of multiplication over addition**.

Thus, the correct answer is:

**distributive property of multiplication over addition**.