Question

simplify using distributive property

–7(8x – 3) + x

Thanks!

Answer 1

expand parentheses
write result

Answer 2

-7(8x-3+x)

Do you mean this?

Answer 3

multiply -7 with every term that is inside of parentheses
then write the 2 terms instead of the parentheses with number

Answer 4

55x+21

Okay, this right?

Answer 5

yep! however: -7 x 8x = 56 x

Answer 6

=-56 x

Answer 7

Oh! Okay. Thank you!

Answer 8

so we have expanded the parentheses, we also had another x
overall we now have:

-56 x +21 +x

Answer 9

Okay, then do we combine or -56x and 21?

Answer 10

we can only combine like terms and the "type" is determined
by the variable the terms have

in our example we have only two type of terms, x or constants

Answer 11

So, combine -56x and x?

Answer 12

Or 21 and x?

Answer 13

yes, combine -56x and x because they both have x in them

Answer 14

So, -57x?

Answer 15

it's the same as -56 + 1

Answer 16

-56 x +21 +x

Answer 17

okay

Answer 18

so -55 x + 21 right ?

Answer 19

oh! okay! So that's the final answer right?

Answer 20

yes, I don't think there's any common divisor in 55 and 21 !

Answer 21

:D thank you! I'm sorry this took me a while to get, I've always been bad at negatives and the distributive property. I really appreciate your help!