When solving an equation, Drew's first step is shown below. Which property justifies Drew's first step?

Question

Original Equation:
Original Equation:
minus, 5, left parenthesis, minus, 5, x, right parenthesis, equals, 3
−5(−5x)=
3
First Step:
First Step:
left parenthesis, minus, 5, dot, minus, 5, right parenthesis, x, equals, 3
(−5⋅−5)x=
3

Answer 1

Drew's first step involves rewriting the original equation from \(-5(-5x) = 3\) to \((-5 \cdot -5)x = 3\). The property that justifies this first step is the Associative Property of Multiplication. This property allows us to rearrange the grouping of the factors being multiplied without changing the product.

In this case, \(-5(-5x)\) is rewritten as \((-5 \cdot -5)x\), which shows that the multiplication of \(-5\) and the term \(-5x\) can be separated and rearranged.

So, in summary, the property used is the Associative Property of Multiplication.