Question

Which expression is equal to 2x + 4(3x − 2) for all possible values of x?

Answer 1

Answer: 2( 7x - 4 )

Explanation:

First let’s distribute the 4 to (3x - 2) by multiplying each term by 4.

2x + 4(3x - 2) =
2x + 4 • 3x - 4 • 2 =
2x + 12x - 8

Next we combine like terms:
2x + 12x - 8 =
14x - 8

None of the answers without parenthesis match the formula above so I will factor out a 2

14x - 8
= 2( 7x - 4 )

Notice how I factored out the 2 putting the result of dividing the equation by 2 inside the parenthesis and then moving a 2 to the outside of the parenthesis.