Question

When solving an equation, Carmen's first step is shown below. Which property justifies Carmen's first step?
Original Equation:
Original Equation:
minus, 1, left parenthesis, minus, 4, x, right parenthesis, equals, minus, 5
−1(−4x)=
−5
First Step:
First Step:
left parenthesis, minus, 1, dot, minus, 4, right parenthesis, x, equals, minus, 5
(−1⋅−4)x=
−5
Answer
Multiple Choice Answers
distributive property of multiplication over addition
associative property of multiplication
division property of equality
commutative property of addition

Answer 1

Carmen's first step involves distributing the \(-1\) across the term \(-4x\). This process can be justified using the **distributive property of multiplication over addition**.

Therefore, the correct choice from the multiple-choice answers is:

**distributive property of multiplication over addition**.