Question

Simplify the expression by using the Distributive Property and combining like terms. 5(3x + 4) - 7x - 3

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( 5(3x + 4) - 7x - 3 \), we can use the Distributive Property and combine like terms. Here are the steps:

1. Apply the Distributive Property to \( 5(3x + 4) \):
\[
5(3x) + 5(4) = 15x + 20
\]

2. Substitute this back into the expression:
\[
15x + 20 - 7x - 3
\]

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

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

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

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