Sarah solves the equation as shown. 2(x + 3) = 8 1. 2x + 6 = 8 2. 2x = 2 3. x = 1 in which step did sarah use the distributive property? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3

A. because 2× X= 2x, 2×3=6, and equal 8.

The correct answer is:  [A]:  "step 1" . 


Note the "distributive property" of multiplication:


 a(b + c)  =  ab + ac ;  AND:

 a(b − c)  =  ab − ac .


So:  Given:  " 2(x + 3) = 8 " ;  

Using the "distributive property" of multiplication:

   " 2(x + 3)  =  (2*x)  +  (2*3) ; 

      =  2x + 6 ; 

and rewrite as:  " 2x + 6 = 8 " ;  

which is:  "Step 1" ;  which is:  "Answer choice:  [A]:  "Step 1" .

It will take him 5 days