Question

What is the first step in simplifying the expression 2(x+3)+5 ?

2x+2(3)+5
2x+3+5
2+x+3+5
2(5)+x+3

Answer 1

multiply 2 by x so 2x+3+5

Answer 2

2x+2(3)+5

Explanation:

The first step is eliminating the brackets by multiplying everything inside the brackets by 2 which will then resulting in multiplying by 2 into x, thus having 2x+2(3)+5.