Question

1 use the distributive property to simplify. $\frac{5}{2}-5 + 4x-3x=-\frac{7}{4}$
2 simplify by combining like terms. $-\frac{5}{2}+x = -\frac{7}{4}$
3 use the addition property of equality. $-\frac{5}{2}+\frac{5}{2}+x=-\frac{7}{4}+\frac{5}{2}$
4 use multiplication to find equivalent fractions. $-\frac{5}{2}+\frac{5}{2}+x = -\frac{7}{4}+\frac{10}{4}$
5 simplify by combining like terms. $x=\frac{3}{4}$
which step has an incorrect instruction?
○ step 1
○ step 2
○...

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Step 1 instruction

The equation $\frac{5}{2}-5+4x-3x=-\frac{7}{4}$ has no parentheses to apply the distributive property (which is $a(b+c)=ab+ac$). The simplification here only combines constants and like variable terms, not using distribution.

Step2: Verify other steps

• Step2: Combines like terms ($4x-3x=x$, $\frac{5}{2}-5=-\frac{5}{2}$), matches instruction.
• Step3: Adds $\frac{5}{2}$ to both sides, uses addition property of equality correctly.
• Step4: Converts $\frac{5}{2}$ to $\frac{10}{4}$ via multiplication ($\frac{5}{2}\times\frac{2}{2}=\frac{10}{4}$), matches instruction.
• Step5: Combines constants to solve for $x$, matches instruction.

Answer:

Step 1