Which is reasonable first step that can be used to solve the equation 2(x+6)=3(x+4)+5?

For this case we have the following equation:
 
 To solve the problem, we must follow the following steps:

 1) distributive property of 2 for x + 6 and 3 for x-4

 2) Combine similar terms: variables with variables and constants with constants.

 3) Clear the value of x.

 Therefore, the first step is:
 Distributive property.

 
 A reasonable first step that can be used to solve the equation is:
 Distribute 2 to (x+6) and 3 to (x-4)