How do you simplify: #-4(x + 2) + 1/2(-2x + 6)#?

1 Answer
smendyka
Nov 15, 2016

#-5x - 5# or #-5(x + 1)#

Explanation:

Step 1) To start to simplify this expression first expand the parenthesis by multiply each term within the parenthesis by the term outside the associated parenthesis:

#(-4*x) + (-4*2) - (1/2 * 2x) + (1/2 * 6) =>#

#-4x - 8 - x + 3 =>#

Step 2) Combine like terms to get to the final simplified expressions:

#-4x - x - 8 + 3 =>#

#(-4 - 1)x - 5#

#-5x - 5# or #-5(x + 1)#

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