Question

How do you solve `-(3k-12)=48` using the distributive property?

Answer 1

`k = -12`

Explanation:

We first simplify the left hand side using the distributive property, shown here:

Following this image, the left hand side of the equation would become:
`-1 * 3k - 1 * -12`

`-3k + 12`

Putting this back into the equation:
`-3k + 12 = 48`

Now, subtract `color(blue)12` from both sides of the equation:
`-3k + 12 quadcolor(blue)(-quad12) = 48 quadcolor(blue)(-quad12)`

`-3k = 36`

Divide both sides by `color(blue)(-3)`:
`(-3k)/color(blue)(-3) = 36/color(blue)(-3)`:

So:
`k = -12`

Hope this helps!