Let's see if you can handle a little challenge.
What do you think you would do first to simplify the following expression?
4x – 3(2x + 3y)
Mathematically, this means 4x minus 3 times the entire group (2x+3y). Using the distributive property, that would be written:
Let's look at what would happen in the following situation.
What would I do if I had this expression?
OK, are you ready for the next challenge?
Let's look at the following expression 2a – 4(3a + 2c – 5b) – 3a + 2b
| Step 1: Distribute | 2a – 4(3a + 2c – 5b) – 3a+ 2b 2a – 4(3a) – 4(2c) – 4(-5b) – 3a+2b |
| Step 2: Multiply | 2a –12a – 8c + 20b – 3a+2b |
| Step 3: Regroup | 2a – 12a – 3a + 20b+ 2b – 8c |
| Step 4: Combine Like Terms | -13a +22b – 8c |
If you need additional practice simplifying expressions, work each of the following and then click on the link to check your work.
| 1. 9(x - 5y +2z) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
9x - 45y +18z
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| 2. -(3a - 2b) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
-3a + 6b
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| 3. 9(x - 5) - 3(8 + 4x) +3(5 + x) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
-54
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| 4. 3(2x - 6) + 2(x +11) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
8x + 4
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| 5.1 over 2 1 2 (8x - 6y) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
4x - 3y
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| 6.1 over 2 1 2 (4x - 8y) + (3x - 4y) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
5x - 8y
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| 7.2 over 3 2 3 (6x + 9y) + 1 over 2 1 2 (4x + 6y) | Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
6x + 9y
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