Question

Which method correctly solves the equation using the distributive property? -0.2(x-4)=-1.7

Answer 1

Isolate the variable by dividing each side by factors that don't contain the variable.

Answer:
x=12.5

Answer 2

Answer with explanation:

Distributive property of multiplication with respect to Addition and multiplication with respect to subtraction

1. a × (b +c)= a × b + a × c

2.  a × (b - c)= a × b - a × c

We have to solve the equality

→ -0.2×(x-4)= -1.7

Using Distributive property of multiplication with respect to Subtraction

⇒-0.2 x +(-0.2)×(-4)= -1.7

⇒-0.2 x +0.8= -1.7

⇒ -0.2 x+0.8-0.8= -1.7 -0.8

⇒ -0.2 x= -2.5

Cancelling negative sign from both sides, gives

0.2 x= 2.5

$x=\frac{2.5}{0.2}\\\\x=12.5$

Correct Method, to solve the equation using the distributive property.