Question

what is the missing step of her solution?

• simplify by combining like terms.
• simplify by using addition property of equality.
• simplify by using the multiplication property of equality.
• simplify by using the division property of equality.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Combining like terms: This step involves adding or subtracting terms with the same variable (or constant terms) to simplify an expression. When solving equations, after distributing or expanding, combining like terms is a common intermediate step to simplify before using properties of equality (like addition, multiplication, or division properties).
• Addition property of equality: Used to add the same value to both sides, not for simplifying an expression’s terms.
• Multiplication/division properties of equality: Used to isolate a variable (e.g., multiply/divide both sides by a value), not for combining terms.

Since the question asks for a “missing step of her solution” (implying simplifying the expression itself, not isolating the variable), the most logical step is combining like terms.

Answer:

Simplify by combining like terms.