Question

Determine whether [3x + 12 + x] is equivalent to [4(3 + x)]. Use properties of operations to justify your answer.

Answer 1

3x + 12 + x = 4x + 12 becuase 3x and x are like terms so you can add them

4(3 + x) = 12 + 4x because 4 times 3 is 12 and 4 times x is 4x so you add them to get 12 + 4x which can be rearranged to equal 4x + 12

So in short: 3x + 12 +x is equivalent to 4(3+x)