How do you simplify #2(x+4)+3(x-4)#?

2 Answers
smendyka
Jun 9, 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:

#color(red)(2)(x + 4) + color(blue)(3)(x - 4)#

#(color(red)(2) xx x) + (color(red)(2) xx 4) + (color(blue)(3) xx x) - (color(blue)(3) xx 4)#

#2x + 8 + 3x - 12#

Next, group like terms:

#2x + 3x + 8 - 12#

Now, combine like terms:

#(2 + 3)x + (8 - 12)#

#5x + (-4)#

#5x - 4#

Jim G.
Jun 9, 2017

#5x-4#

Explanation:

#"the first step is to distribute the brackets"#

#rArrcolor(red)(2)(x+4)color(red)(+3)(x-4)#

#=(color(red)(2)xx x)+(color(red)(2)xx4)+(color(red)(3)xx x)+(color(red)(3)xx-4)#

#=color(magenta)(2x)+8color(magenta)(+3x)-12#

#"collecting like terms gives"#

#=5x-4#

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