Expression Simplification Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Simplify 3(2x+4)โˆ’5(xโˆ’1)3(2x + 4) - 5(x - 1).

Solution

  1. 1
    Distribute each coefficient: 3(2x+4)=6x+123(2x + 4) = 6x + 12 and โˆ’5(xโˆ’1)=โˆ’5x+5-5(x - 1) = -5x + 5.
  2. 2
    Rewrite the expression with all terms expanded: 6x+12โˆ’5x+56x + 12 - 5x + 5.
  3. 3
    Combine like terms โ€” xx-terms and constants separately: (6xโˆ’5x)+(12+5)=x+17(6x - 5x) + (12 + 5) = x + 17.

Answer

x+17x + 17
When simplifying, first distribute any multiplication, then combine like terms. Be careful with the sign when distributing a negative: โˆ’5(xโˆ’1)=โˆ’5x+5-5(x - 1) = -5x + 5.

About Expression Simplification

Rewriting an algebraic expression into an equivalent but reduced or more organized form by combining like terms and applying identities.

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