An equation is shown below: −2(4x − 1) − 7 = 5 which statement shows a correct next step in solving the equation?
a. the equation can become −2(4x − 1) = −2 by applying the distributive property.
b. the equation can become −2(4x − 1) = 12 by applying the addition property of equality.
c. the equation can become −2(4x − 1) = 12 by applying the commutative property of addition
d. the equation can become −2(4x − 1) = −2 by applying the subtraction property of equality.