Question

Given the problem 2 (x - 5) = 4, which choice shows the next step?

A.2 (x - 5) = 6
B.2x - 7 = 4
C.2x - 10 = 4
D.2x + 10 = 4
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Answer 1

Answer: C. 2x - 10 = 4

Step-by-step explanation

2(x-5) is the same as 2x-10 because we multiply the outer 2 by each term inside the parenthesis.

• 2 times x = 2x
• 2 times -5 = -10

The general rule for the distributive property is: a(b+c) = ab+ac

Here's another example 7(x-3) = 7x-7*3 = 7x-21

Extra info: The distributive property is useful for multiplying large numbers on scratch paper.