To simplify the expression \( 3x + (x + 2) \) using the Associative Property, we start by recognizing that the Associative Property allows us to group numbers in different ways when adding.
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Rewrite the expression: \[ 3x + (x + 2) \]
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Apply the Associative Property: You can group \( 3x \) and \( x \) together. This gives us: \[ (3x + x) + 2 \]
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Combine like terms: Now, combine \( 3x \) and \( x \): \[ 3x + x = 4x \] So, the expression becomes: \[ 4x + 2 \]
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Final Expression: The simplest equivalent form of the expression \( 3x + (x + 2) \) is: \[ 4x + 2 \]
This is the simplified equivalent expression.