Question

after distributing, what does the left side of the equation become? a. x + 15x - 20 b. 16x - 20 d. x + 12x + 4 c. 15x + 5

Explanation:

Since we don't know the original equation before distribution, we can't actually perform the distribution step - by - step. But we can simplify the expressions in the options if possible.

Step1: Combine like - terms in option a

The expression $x + 15x-20$ simplifies to $(1 + 15)x-20=16x - 20$.

Step2: Analyze option b

The expression $16x-20$ is already in simplified form.

Step3: Combine like - terms in option d

The expression $x + 12x+4$ simplifies to $(1 + 12)x+4 = 13x+4$.

Step4: Analyze option c

The expression $15x + 5$ is in simplified form.

However, if we assume that the original distribution led to combining like - terms of $x$ terms, and we consider the form of the options, we can't be sure without the original equation. But if we just focus on combining like - terms in the given expressions in the options, option a simplifies to option b.

Answer:

We need more information about the original equation to accurately determine the result of the distribution. If we are just looking at simplifying the given expressions in the options, $x + 15x-20$ simplifies to $16x - 20$. But without the original pre - distribution equation, we can't definitively answer from the given options.