First, distribute the -3(-2x + 1). -3 x -2x = 6x -3 x 1 = -3 -3(-2x + 1) = 6x - 3 Now we have: 9 - 5 1/2x + 6x - 3 Combine like terms. -5 1/2x + 6x = 1/2x 9 - 3 = 6 The two terms we are left with are 1/2x and 6. The simplified version of this expression is 1/2x + 6. Hope this helps!