Let's go through the steps provided to identify which one does not belong in the solution process for the equation \(5(2x - 8) = 20\).
-
Original Equation: \(5(2x - 8) = 20\)
-
Step 1: This step appears to be using the distributive property. Distributing \(5\) across \((2x - 8)\): \[ 5 \cdot 2x - 5 \cdot 8 = 10x - 40 \] So, the equation becomes \(10x - 40 = 20\).
-
Step 2: The transition you wrote down seems incorrect ("102 - 40 = 20"), as \(10x - 40 = 20\) would lead to the next step being: \[ 10x - 40 + 40 = 20 + 40 \] This is valid, as it adds \(40\) to both sides of the equation.
-
Step 3: The equation now becomes \(10x = 60\).
-
Step 4: This is dividing both sides by \(10\): \[ \frac{10x}{10} = \frac{60}{10} \Rightarrow x = 6 \]
-
Step 5: You provided “Using the commutative property”, but the commutative property is not used in solving this equation. Instead, this process involves using the distributive property (for \(5(2x - 8)\)), and then combining like terms and solving for \(x\) through addition and division.
In conclusion, the step that is not part of the solution process is "Using the commutative property."