Simplifying 2(3x - 4) + 5x - 3

Pre-Algebra · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Multi-Step Simplification Simplify 2(3x - 4) + 5x - 3 using the distributive property and combining like terms. Simplify the expression 2(3x - 4) + 5x - 3 . We will first apply the distributive property, then combine the like terms. Nice work! You simplified an algebraic expression from start to finish. Remember these steps: Distributive property: when a number sits outside parentheses, multiply it by every term inside. Identify like terms: group terms with the same variable together, and the constant terms together. Combine: add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms. Result: 2(3x - 4) + 5x - 3 = 11x - 11 . Order matters: always distribute first, then combine like terms. The same process simplifies any expression like this one.

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