Question

I only need help with justifying the step in solving the problem. Please help!

Answer 1

The question is:  Which method do you prefer ?

First of all, nobody can answer that for you, because it's your opinion and you haven't told us your opinion.

But look at it ! the first method eliminates parentheses right away, and each step is an application of a clear, simple arithmetic rule.  The second method has fractions and parentheses all over the place, and it looks so complicated that even the person who posted the first answer here doesn't completely recognize what's going on.

I know which method I would prefer.  But like it says, the correct answer is a matter of opinion, and my opinion might not be the same as yours.

Answer 2

Well, for method one the first step we have is distribution, then combining like terms, then property of subtraction, then division.  For method two, I'm not entirely sure what they did there.  I've never done math like that.  Sorry I can't help you out all the way.

-TTL