Question

When solving an equation, Drew's first step is shown below. Which property justifies Drew's first step?
Original Equation:
Original Equation:
minus, 4, x, equals, 16
−4x=
16
First Step:
First Step:
x, equals, minus, 4
x=
−4
Answer
Multiple Choice Answers
commutative property of addition
commutative property of multiplication
division property of equality
distributive property of multiplication over addition

Answer 1

In Drew's first step, he solves the equation \(-4x = 16\) for \(x\) by isolating \(x\). The action involves dividing both sides of the equation by \(-4\):

\[
x = \frac{16}{-4} \rightarrow x = -4
\]

The property that justifies this step is the **division property of equality**, which states that if you divide both sides of an equation by the same non-zero number, the two sides remain equal.

So the correct answer is: **division property of equality**.