Which is a reasonable first step that can be used to solve the equation 2(x + 6) = 3(x - 4) + 5?
Combine like terms, 3 and 5, on the right side of the equation. Distribute 2 to x on the left side of the equation and 3 to x on the right of the equation. Distribute 2 to (x + 6) and 3 to (X - 4) Apply the subtraction property of equality to move the 6 from the left side of the equation to the right side.
The first thing you need to do when solving an equation with parenthesis is to always simplify the expression first before solving. This makes it easier to solve the equation.
