1. The problem is to identify which step cannot be performed first when solving the equation $$5 - 2(x - 7) = x + 1 + 3x$$. 2. The equation is $$5 - 2(x - 7) = x + 1 + 3x$$. The goal is to isolate $x$ by performing algebraic operations step-by-step. 3. Let's analyze each step: - "Combining $x$ and $3x$": This means simplifying the right side to $$x + 3x = 4x$$. This is a valid first step because it simplifies the right side. - "Subtracting 1 from both sides": This means subtracting 1 from both sides to maintain equality. This can be done after simplifying terms but is not the very first step. - "5 - 2": This suggests subtracting 2 from 5 directly, but in the equation, the 2 is multiplied by the expression $(x - 7)$, so you cannot just subtract 2 from 5 without distributing first. - "Distributing -2 to $(x - 7)$": This means applying the distributive property: $$-2 \times x = -2x$$ and $$-2 \times (-7) = +14$$. This is a necessary step before combining like terms on the left side. 4. The step "5 - 2" cannot be performed first because the 2 is not a standalone term but a multiplier of the expression $(x - 7)$. You must distribute the -2 first before performing any subtraction. 5. Therefore, the step that cannot be performed first is "5 - 2". Final answer: The step "5 - 2" cannot be performed first when solving the equation.