Question

simplify 3(x-9)-16

Answer 1

First of all, if you don't treat math as your friend, it will never be your friend.
Second of all:
1) Open up the parenthesis:
\[a(b-c) = a*b-a*c\]so\[3(x-9)-16\]becomes\[(3*x-3*9)-16\]

Answer 2

At this point you can drop the parenthesis and you'll end up with
\[3x-3*9-16=3x-27-16=3x-43\]

Answer 3

got it lol thank you so much!