Question

Simplify the expression \( 4(x - 3) + 5 \).

Hint:

When distributing a constant to terms inside parentheses, make sure to multiply the constant by each term individually. Then simplify the expression by combining like terms.

Answer 1

We are given the expression \( 4(x - 3) + 5 \) and are asked to simplify it. Let's break it down step by step.
1. Distribute the 4: To begin simplifying the expression, distribute the 4 to both terms inside the parentheses: \[ 4(x - 3) + 5 = 4x - 12 + 5. \] Here, we multiply 4 by both \( x \) and \( -3 \), which results in \( 4x \) and \( -12 \), respectively.
2. Combine the constants: Now, combine the constants \( -12 \) and \( 5 \) on the right-hand side: \[ 4x - 12 + 5 = 4x - 7. \] Adding \( -12 \) and \( 5 \) gives \( -7 \). Thus, the simplified expression is: \[ 4x - 7. \]