Question

Simplify −5g(3g + 4).
A: −15g + 4
B: −15g − 20g
C: −15g² + 4
D: −15g2²− 20g

Answer 1

To simplify −5g(3g + 4), we apply the distributive property, resulting in −15g²−20g by multiplying −5g with each term inside the parentheses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked to simplify −5g(3g + 4). To simplify this expression, we need to apply the distributive property, which states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. Here, we distribute −5g across each term inside the parentheses.

Step 1: Multiply −5g by the first term inside the parentheses (3g).

−5g × 3g = −15g²

Step 2: Multiply −5g by the second term inside the parentheses (4).

−5g × 4 = −20g

So the expression −5g(3g + 4) simplifies to:

−15g² − 20g

Therefore, the correct answer is D: −15g²−20g, as it applies the distributive property correctly and considers the signs for multiplication as per the rules.