Algebra Practice Test

To simplify the expression 3(x + 2) + 4(x - 5), follow these steps: First, distribute the terms within the parentheses. When applying the distributive property: 1. For the first part, 3(x + 2): - Multiply 3 by both x and 2: - 3 * x = 3x - 3 * 2 = 6 - Therefore, this part simplifies to 3x + 6. 2. Next, for the second part, 4(x - 5): - Multiply 4 by both x and -5: - 4 * x = 4x - 4 * -5 = -20 - This part simplifies to 4x - 20. Now, combine both results: - From the first part, you have 3x + 6. - From the second part, you have 4x - 20. Add these together: 3x + 6 + 4x - 20. Combine like terms: - Combine the x terms: 3x + 4x = 7x. - Combine the constant terms: 6