Problem
Simplify: 3(2x - 4) + 5x - 2
📝Step-by-Step Solution
1
Distribute the 3
Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses: 3(2x - 4) = 6x - 12
3(2x - 4) = 6x - 12
2
Rewrite the expression
Replace 3(2x - 4) with 6x - 12 in the original expression.
6x - 12 + 5x - 2
3
Identify like terms
Like terms have the same variable and power. Here: 6x and 5x are like terms. -12 and -2 are like terms (constants).
4
Combine like terms
Add the x terms: 6x + 5x = 11x. Add the constants: -12 + (-2) = -14.
6x + 5x = 11x; -12 - 2 = -14
5
Write the simplified expression
Combine the results: 11x - 14
11x - 14
✅Final Answer
11x - 14
To simplify expressions: (1) Remove parentheses using distribution, (2) Identify like terms (same variable, same power), (3) Combine like terms by adding/subtracting coefficients. Note: You cannot combine terms like 3x and 5x² because they have different powers.
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