Question

A) Simplify the expression and explain each step. (2 points)

Answer 1

A) 4 (3x+2)-2
12x+8-2
12x+6
2x+1 simplified expression

Answer 2

Answer:

a) $4\left(3x+2\right)-2=12x+6$

b) $20b-16= 4\left(5b-4\right)$

Step-by-step explanation:

a) To simplify the expression you must:

Expand $4(3x + 2)$:

Apply the distributive law: $\:a\left(b+c\right)=ab+ac$

$a=4,\:b=3x,\:c=2\\\\4\left(3x+2\right)=4\cdot \:3x+4\cdot \:2$

Simplify $4\cdot \:3x+4\cdot \:2= 12x+8$

$12x+8-2$

Subtract the numbers: $4\left(3x+2\right)-2=12x+6$

b) To factor the expression $20b - 16$ you must:

Rewrite 16 as $4\cdot 4$ and 20 as $4\cdot 5$

$20b-16=4\cdot \:5b-4\cdot \:4$

Factor out common term 4

$20b-16= 4\left(5b-4\right)$