Question

Which expression is equivalent to 3 (a - 2b) - 2a + b?

A. -a + -7b
B. a - 5b
C. a - 2b
D. a + 7b

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( 3(a - 2b) - 2a + b \), we will first distribute the \( 3 \) into the parentheses:

\[
3(a - 2b) = 3a - 6b
\]

Now we can substitute this back into the original expression:

\[
3(a - 2b) - 2a + b = (3a - 6b) - 2a + b
\]

Next, we will combine the like terms. Starting with the \( a \) terms:

\[
3a - 2a = 1a
\]

Now, combining the \( b \) terms:

\[
-6b + b = -5b
\]

Putting it all together, we have:

\[
1a - 5b = a - 5b
\]

Thus, the expression simplifies to \( a - 5b \).

Therefore, the equivalent expression is:

\[
\boxed{B. \ a - 5b}
\]