Question

Simplify 5(3x-6)-8(3x-7) Can someone explain how to do this in English?

Answer 1

5(3x-6)-8(3x-7)

Multiply the first bracket by 5

Multiply the second bracket by -8

15x-30-24x+56

negative number times (*) positive number= negative number

positive number times (*) positive number= positive number

15x-30-24x+56

15x-24x-30+56 ( just rearranging )

-9x+26

Positive +26 because 56 is greater than -30 in this case

Answer is -9x+26

Answer 2

Remember the distributive property? It goes like x(a+b)=xa+xb... For example 3(6+7)=(3*6)+(3*7)=39
Same here
5(3x-6)-8(3x-7)
do the thing
(15x-30)-(24x-56)
Take parentheses off.
15x-30-24x+56
//WHY PLUS 56 NOT MINUS?
//because there was a minus sign outside the original parentheses, so the signs inside have to be flipped when the parentheses is taken off
//Let's simplify now
15x-24x-30+56
-9x+26
^^The answer!