Question

When solving negative -1/3.(x − 15) = −4, what is the correct sequence of operations

Answer 1

Distribute through the parenthesis
subtract 5 from both sides
divide both sides by -1/3...or multiply both sides by -3

Answer 2

1) Distribute -1/3 through the parenthesis, it will look like this:
-1/3(x) - 15(-1/3) = -4

Simplify: -1/3x + 5 = -4

Multiply each term by 3 to eliminate the fraction: 3(-1/3x + 5 = -4)
Equals: -x + 15 = -12

Subtract 15 from both sides -x + 15 =-12
                                                 - 15    -15

Equals -x = -27
FINALLY multiply or divide by -1 to eliminate the negative "x"
(Basically changing the signs of all terms.)
x = 27.