The problem presented involves an equation where Anne has made a first step in solving it. The task is to identify which property justifies her first step.

Original Equation:

$-2(x + 4) = -1$

First Step:

$-2x - 8 = -1$

To go from the original equation to the first step, Anne has applied the distributive property of multiplication over addition. This property states that for any numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$: $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ In this case, Anne distributed $-2$ across the terms inside the parentheses $x + 4$, which results in $-2x - 8$.

Thus, the correct answer is:

• Distributive property of multiplication over addition

Would you like a detailed explanation or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

1. What are some examples of the distributive property applied to different types of equations?
2. Can you explain the associative property of multiplication and how it differs from the distributive property?
3. How does the subtraction property of equality help in solving equations?
4. What is the next step after applying the distributive property in solving equations?
5. How can you verify if a step taken in solving an equation is correct?

Tip: When solving equations, carefully choose which property to apply at each step to simplify the equation effectively.