How do you combine like terms in #5w - 3( 3z - 5w ) - 2z#?

1 Answer
smendyka
Jun 17, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis by multiplying each term within the parenthesis by the term outside the parenthesis. Be sure to manage the signs of the individual terms correctly:

#5w - color(red)(3)(3z - 5w) - 2z =>#

#5w - (color(red)(3) * 3z) + (color(red)(3) * 5w) - 2z =>#

#5w - 9z + 15w - 2z#

Next, group like terms:

#5w + 15w - 9z - 2z#

Now, combine like terms:

#(5 + 15)w + (-9 - 2)z#

#20w + (-11)z#

#20w - 11z#

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