Question

b. \\(-5(x - 1) = 40\\)

Explanation:

Apply the distributive property

$$ -5 \cdot x + (-5) \cdot (-1) = 40 $$

$$ -5x + 5 = 40 $$

Subtract 5 from both sides

$$ -5x = 40 - 5 $$

$$ -5x = 35 $$

Divide by -5

$$ x = \frac{35}{-5} $$

$$ x = -7 $$

Answer:

\(x = -7\)