The method which is used to solve the provided equation using the distributive property is,
[tex]\rm x = 4 + 8.5 = 12.5[/tex]
The distributive property is to make something easier to do or understand and to make something less complicated.
The given expression is [tex]\rm - 0.2(x-4) = -1.7[/tex].
The expression can be written as
[tex]\rm 0.2(x-4) = 1.7[/tex]
Divide both sides by 0.2
[tex]\rm x-4 = \dfrac{1.7}{0.2} = 8.5[/tex]
Add 4 both sides, we have
[tex]\rm x = 4 + 8.5 = 12.5[/tex]
Thus, the value of x is 12.5.
More about the distributive property link is given below.
https://brainly.com/question/13130806