Question

Use the associative property to simplify the following expression: 3x + (4 + 5x) - 8

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( 3x + (4 + 5x) - 8 \) using the associative property, we can regroup the terms. The associative property states that the grouping of terms does not affect their sum.

Let's start by rewriting the expression:

\[
3x + (4 + 5x) - 8
\]

We can rearrange and regroup the terms:

\[
(3x + 5x) + (4 - 8)
\]

Now, we simplify each group:

1. For \( 3x + 5x \):
\[
3x + 5x = 8x
\]

2. For \( 4 - 8 \):
\[
4 - 8 = -4
\]

Putting it all together, we have:

\[
8x - 4
\]

Thus, the simplified expression is:

\[
\boxed{8x - 4}
\]