Question

multiple choice
what would be the first step to solve this
equation?
-5(x - 1) = 2x - 3
a subtract 2x from both sides
b add 3 to both sides
c distribute -5 to the x an the -1
d add 5 to both sides
attempt 1 of 2 submit

Explanation:

To solve the equation \(-5(x - 1)=2x - 3\), we follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) in reverse for solving equations. The left - hand side has a parenthetical expression multiplied by \(-5\). The distributive property ( \(a(b + c)=ab+ac\)) is used to eliminate the parentheses. So the first step should be to distribute \(-5\) to \(x\) and \(- 1\) (i.e., \(-5\times x+(-5)\times(-1)=-5x + 5\)). Option A would be a later step when we want to collect like terms for \(x\), option B would also be a later step when we want to isolate the constant terms, and option D is not a valid first step as there is no \(5\) to add on both sides in a way that simplifies the equation initially.

Answer:

C. Distribute -5 to the x an the -1