Question

Which expression is equivalent to 3 (a - 26) - 2a + 6? (1 point)
• a + 7b
—a + -7b
• а - 5b
• а - 2b

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \(3 (a - 26) - 2a + 6\), follow these steps:

1. Distribute the \(3\) across the parentheses:
\[
3(a - 26) = 3a - 78
\]
So the expression becomes:
\[
3a - 78 - 2a + 6
\]

2. Combine like terms:
- Combine the \(a\) terms:
\[
3a - 2a = a
\]
- Combine the constants:
\[
-78 + 6 = -72
\]

3. Putting it all together:
\[
a - 72
\]

None of the provided answer choices (a + 7b, -a - 7b, a - 5b, a - 2b) match the simplified expression \(a - 72\).

It seems there may be some error in the formulation of options given since they involve \(b\) which is not present in the original expression. Please double-check the choices or the expression itself.