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22 votes
Use the distributive property.
Simplify the expression below.
5(x - 2) =_-_

2 Answers

13 votes

Hey there!

Do you remember what the Distributive property states? If not, no worries! Here's what this property states:

a(b+c)=ab+ac

In this formula, a, b, and c can be

  • Constants. These are numbers like 1, 2, 3, or -1, -2, -3... or even fractions, decimals... (all real numbers)
  • Variables. These are letters like d, a, s, e, t, k, a...
  • Variables can have a number next to them; it's called a coefficient.

Now that we know what this property states, let's simplify this expression.

5(x-2)

First, multiply 5 times x:

5x (5 is the coefficient of x, by the way)

Then, multiply 5 times -2 (please pay attention to the sign) :)

-10

Put both terms together.

Hence, the simplified expression is


\boxed{\boxed{\bold{5x-10}}}

Is it possible to simplify the expression any further? No.

Why? Because 5x and -10 aren't like terms, so we cannot combine them.

Hope everything is clear.

Let me know if you have any questions!

#ILoveLearning

:-)

User Gbarry
by
4.8k points
3 votes

Hey there!

Formula:


\bold{a(b +c)}


\bold{a(b) + a(c)}


\bold{= \ ab + ac}

DISTRIBUTE
\bold{5} within the
\bold{parentheses}


\bold{5(x -2)}


\bold{5(x) + 5(-2)}


\bold{5(x)=5x}


\bold{5(-2) = -10}

FINALLY:
\boxed{\boxed{\bold{Answer: 5x - 10}}}\checkmark

Good luck on your assignment and enjoy your day!

~
\frak{LoveYourselfFirst:)}

User KLE
by
5.0k points