Question

Which expression is equivalent to the given expression after using the distributive property?

7(x−5)

a. 7x+5
b. 7x−35
c. 7x−5
d. 7x+35

Answer 1

The expression 7(x-5) can be simplified using the distributive property. Use the distributive property to multiply 7 with each term inside the parentheses. The equivalent expression is 7x - 35.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression 7(x-5) can be simplified using the distributive property. This property states that when you have a number outside parentheses multiplied by an expression inside the parentheses, you can distribute the number to each term inside the parentheses. In this case, the number outside the parentheses is 7, and the expression inside the parentheses is (x-5).

Using the distributive property, we multiply 7 with each term inside the parentheses:

7 * x = 7x
7 * -5 = -35

So, the equivalent expression after using the distributive property is 7x - 35. Therefore, the correct option is (b) 7x - 35.