Question

8b + 16

2(6m +2)

I'm not really sure what the letters stand for in this context

Answer 1

Ok so the letters are variables also can indicate any number so in the 8b+16 it is telling you that 8 times any number plus sixteen. And for the other variable m it is standing for when you multiply 2 times 6m which is 12m and then 2 times 2 which is four, so the inquisition for this equation would be 12m+4

Answer 2

the letters are a variable, when you have different variables you cannot plus or minus them like in this situation - 8b + 16

16 has no b's for plus 8b

2(6m +2) - in this expression we can multiply in which is 12m + 4