Question

Sharina simplified the expression 3(2x – 6 – x + 1)2 – 2 + 4x. In Step 1 she simplified within the parentheses. In Step 2 she expanded the exponent. Which is a possible next step? Simplify the expression by adding and subtracting from left to right. Combine like terms within the parentheses. Combine all x-terms. Distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.

Answer 1

D. distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.

3(2x - 6 - x - 1)^2 - 2 + 4x
3(x-7)^2 - 2 + 4x
3 (x^2 -14x +49) - 2 + 4x
3x^2 - 42x + 147 - 2 + 4x

Answer 2

Distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.

Explanation:

3(2x – 6 – x + 1)^2 – 2 + 4x

In Step 1 she simplified within the parentheses.

The expression becomes
`3(x-5)^2 - 2 + 4x`

In Step 2 she expanded the exponent.

After expanding the exponent (x-5)^2 it becomes (x^2-10+25)

`3(x^2-10+25)  - 2 + 4x`

In the next step we distribute 3 inside the parenthesis in order to remove the parenthesis .

Answer: Distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.