Question

Simplify the expression by using the Distributive Property and combining like terms.

5(3x + 4) - 7x - 3

(1 point)
Responses

15x + 20
15x + 20

8x + 17
8x + 17

22x + 23
22x + 23

8x + 1

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( 5(3x + 4) - 7x - 3 \), we will first use the Distributive Property and then combine like terms.

1. Distribute \( 5 \) into the parentheses:
\[
5(3x) + 5(4) = 15x + 20
\]

So, the expression becomes:
\[
15x + 20 - 7x - 3
\]

2. Now combine like terms. First, combine the \( x \) terms:
\[
15x - 7x = 8x
\]

3. Then, combine the constant terms:
\[
20 - 3 = 17
\]

Putting it all together, we have:
\[
8x + 17
\]

So the simplified expression is:
\[
\boxed{8x + 17}
\]