Join the IDNLearn.com community and start getting the answers you need today. Our experts are available to provide accurate, comprehensive answers to help you make informed decisions about any topic or issue you encounter.

What should be the first step to solve the equation?

[tex]\[ 2x + 9(x - 1) = 8(2x + 2) - 5 \][/tex]

A. Combine like terms on each side of the equation.
B. Use the distributive property on each side of the equation.
C. Use the subtraction property of equality to subtract 5 from each side of the equation.
D. Use the addition property of equality to add [tex]\( 2x \)[/tex] to each side of the equation.


Sagot :

To solve the equation:
[tex]\[ 2x + 9(x - 1) = 8(2x + 2) - 5, \][/tex]
you should begin by using the distributive property on both sides of the equation. Here's the detailed step-by-step process:

1. Use the distributive property on the left side of the equation:
[tex]\[ 2x + 9(x - 1) \][/tex]
Distribute the [tex]\( 9 \)[/tex] across the terms inside the parenthesis:
[tex]\[ 2x + 9x - 9 \][/tex]

2. Use the distributive property on the right side of the equation:
[tex]\[ 8(2x + 2) - 5 \][/tex]
Distribute the [tex]\( 8 \)[/tex] across the terms inside the parenthesis:
[tex]\[ 16x + 16 - 5 \][/tex]

Therefore, the correct first step to solve the equation [tex]\[ 2x + 9(x - 1) = 8(2x + 2) - 5 \][/tex] is to use the distributive property on each side of the equation.