Question

How do you simplify `4( 5x + 9) - 2( x - 4)`?

Answer 1

The simplified expression is `18x + 44`.

Explanation:

Follow the Order of Operations. First, we will distribute the `4` and the `-2`. Then combine the like terms.

`4(5x + 9) - 2(x - 4)`
`20x + 36 - 2x + 8`
`20x - 2x + 36 + 8`
`18x + 44`

Answer 2

`18x + 44`

Explanation:

Step 1) Expand the terms within each parenthesis:

`(4*5x) + (4*9) - (2*x) - (2*-4) =>`

`20x + 36 - 2x + 8` (minus a minus 8 or - - 8 is +8)

Step 2) Combine like terms:

`20x - 2x + 36 + 8 =>`

`(20 - 2)x + 44 =>`

`18x + 44`