Question

Which expressions are equivalent to 3x + 2(x − 1) − 4? A.) 3x + 2x - 2 - 4 B.) 5x - 6 C.) 3(x - 4) D.) 3(x + 2) - 6 E.) 6(x - 1)

Answer 1

Multiplication takes precedence
Execute the command multiplication bracket

3x + 2* (x - 1) - 4 =
3x + 2* x + 2* (-1 ) - 4 =
3x + 2x - 2 - 4 =

We reduce similar words

3x + 2x - 2 - 4 =
5x - 6

Answer B

Answer 2

A and B.

Explanation:

The original expression is 3x+2(x-1)-4, so let's simplify it to obtain an equivalent expression:

First we destroy the parenthesis applying distributive property:

3x+2x-2-4, so option A is correct.

Then, add the similar terms (3x can be added with 2x and -2 can be added with -4):

5x-6, so option B is also correct.

C is not correct because 3(x-4) = 3x-12 ≠ 5x-6.

D is not correct because 3(x + 2) - 6 = 3x+6-6 = 3x ≠ 5x-6.

E is not correct because 6(x - 1) = 6x-6 ≠ 5x-6.

Then, correct options are A and B.