Question

Tyra solves the equation as shown.

- 3(x+2) = 9
1. - 3x - 6 = 9
2. - 3x = 15
3. x = - 5
The property Tyra used in line 1 was the:

a) associative property
b) commutative property
c) distributive property
d) inverse property

Answer 1

Its the distributive property

Answer 2

We have been given the equation

$-3(x+2)=9$

The first steps is given as $-3x-6=9$

In this step, Tyra has distributed the term -3 over the parenthesis, as shown below

$-3(x+2)=9\\-3\cdot x+ (-3)(2)=9\\-3x-6=9$

We know the distributive property is given by

$a(b+c)=ab+ac$

Therefore, we can say that Tyra has used distributive property in the first step.

C is the correct option.