Question

Expand and simplify the expression: -2{3a - 4[a - (2 + a)]}

a) -6a
b) -4a
c) 2a
d) -8a

Answer 1

To expand and simplify the expression, apply the distributive property and simplify the brackets. The simplified expression is -14a + 8.

Step-by-step explanation:

To expand and simplify the expression -2{3a - 4[a - (2 + a)]}, we need to apply the distributive property and simplify the brackets. Here are the steps:

1. Distribute the -2 to every term inside the brackets: -2(3a) - 2(-4[a - (2 + a)])
2. Simplify the brackets by combining like terms inside: -2(3a) - 2(-4[a - 2 - a])
3. Simplify further by performing the operations inside the brackets: -2(3a) - 2(-4[1 - a])
4. Continue simplifying: -6a + 8[1 - a]
5. Apply the distributive property again: -6a + 8 - 8a
6. Combine like terms: -14a + 8

The expanded and simplified expression is -14a + 8. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) -8a.