Final answer:
To simplify the expression −4x + 5(−5x − 1), distribute the 5 to get −4x + −25x − 5, then combine like terms to get the simplified expression −9x − 5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the linear expression −4x + 5(−5x − 1), we need to distribute the 5 into the parenthesis and then combine like terms.
First, distribute the 5:
5 * (−5x) = −25x
5 * (−1) = −5
So, the expression becomes:
−4x + (−25x − 5)
Combine like terms by adding the coefficients of x:
−4x + −25x = −29x
Include the constant term:
−9x − 5
Therefore, the simplified expression is −9x − 5.
To verify if it's reasonable, we can check if there are no more like terms to combine, which is true in this case.