3(x + 4) + 2 = 2 + 5(x – 4) what is the third step in solving this equation>

a. combine like terms
b. distributive property
c. division property of equality
d. subtraction property of equality

The third step is D. subtraction property of equality

Simplify both sides of the equation.

3(x+4)+2=2+5(x−4)

Simplify

3x+14=5x−18

Subtract 5x from both sides.

3x+14−5x=5x−18−5x

−2x+14=−18

Subtract 14 from both sides. < Step 3

−2x+14−14=−18−14

−2x=−32

Divide both sides by -2.

−2x/−2 = −32/−2

x=16