Question

Which expression is equivalent to 3 (a - 4b) - 2a + b?

-a +11b

a - 11b

-a - 3b

5a - 3b

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \(3(a - 4b) - 2a + b\), we will follow these steps:

1. Distribute \(3\) into \( (a - 4b) \):
\[
3(a - 4b) = 3a - 12b
\]

2. Now substitute back into the expression:
\[
3a - 12b - 2a + b
\]

3. Combine like terms:
- For the \(a\) terms: \(3a - 2a = 1a = a\)
- For the \(b\) terms: \(-12b + b = -11b\)

So, the expression simplifies to:
\[
a - 11b
\]

Thus, the equivalent expression is \(\boxed{a - 11b}\).