How do you simplify #-7(3x + 7) + 4#?

1 Answer
Jan 24, 2017

See the entire simplification process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms within the parenthesis:

#color(red)(-7)(3x + 7) + 4 -> (color(red)(-7) xx 3x) - (color(red)(7) xx 7) + 4 ->#

#-21x - 49 + 4#

Now, combine constants:

#-21x - 45#

A #color(red)(3)# can also be factored from each term:

#(color(red)(3) xx -7)x - (color(red)(3) xx 15) -> 3(-7x + 15)#