Question

Remove the parentheses from the following expression, and combine like terms: 4(ab²+1/₂c + x) - 2(c+x) A. 4ab² + 2x B. 4ab2 + 2x + C C. 4+abc2 + 2x D. 2ab²+2c + X ​

Answer 1

A. 4ab² + 2x

Explanation:

If you want to get rid of those pesky parentheses, you have to use the superpower of distributive property. It lets you multiply everything inside the parentheses by the number outside. For example:

4(ab²+1/₂c + x) = 4ab² + 2c + 4x

Boom! No more parentheses!

To combine like terms, you have to add or subtract the numbers in front of the terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example:

2x - 4x = -2x

Bam! Only one x left!

Here are the steps to simplify the expression:

4(ab²+1/₂c + x) - 2(c+x)

= 4ab² + 2c + 4x - 2c - 2x (use superpower)

= 4ab² + 4x - 2x (combine like terms)

= 4ab² + 2x (simplify)

So, the answer is A. 4ab² + 2x.