How do you simplify -3[(x-2) + 5(x-2)]?

1 Answer
Jan 31, 2017

See the entire simplification process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms within parenthesis within the brackets. Be sure to manage the signs of the individual terms correctly:

-3[(x - 2) + 5(x - 2)] -> -3[x - 2 + 5x - 10]

Next group and combine like terms within the brackets:

-3[x - 2 + 5x - 10] -> -3[x + 5x - 2 - 10] -> -3[6x - 1]

Now, multiple each term within the brackets by -3:

-3[6x - 1] -> (-3 xx 6x) + (-3 xx -1) ->

-18x + 3 or 3 - 18x