Question

What is the next step after using the distributive property?

Answer 1

Answer:

If it's a simple equation such as 2 (x + y), the next step after applying the distributive property is to do the multiplication and simplify the terms.

But in solving an equation such as

2(x + 3) = 3(x + 1)

After applying the distributive property, the next step is to separate the variables to one side, like collecting like terms and then solving the now simplified equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a normal equation, the distributive property, also called the distributive law of division and multiplication helps to use the variable outside the bracket to multiply the sum of terms in the bracket. For example.

2 (x + y)

The distributive property enables us to say

2×x + 2×y = 2x + 2y

So, the next step after applying the distributive property is to simplify the equation.

But in solving an equation such as

2(x + 3) = 3(x + 1)

Applying the distributive property

2x + 6 = 3x + 3

We then operate variables, collect like terms on one side

6 - 3 = 3x - 2x

3 = x

x = 3

Hope this Helps!!!