Question

Solve by simplifying an expression and write about the distributive property.
Ranger was given this expression to simplify.

4(2x – 5)

What advice to simplify the expression would you give Ranger? Check all that apply.
First combine the terms in the parentheses.
This expression can be simplified by using the distributive property.
The 4 will be added to each term inside the parentheses.
The 4 will be multiplied to each term inside the parentheses.
A simplified expression is equivalent to the original expression.

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- This expression can be simplified by using the distributive property. (check)
- The 4 will be multiplied to each term inside the parentheses. (check)
- A simplified expression is equivalent to the original expression. (check)

Why:
- You cannot "combine the terms in the parentheses" because 2x and −5 are unlike terms.
- The 4 is not added to the terms; it is multiplied to each term (distributive property).
- Using distribution: 4(2x − 5) = 4·2x + 4·(−5) = 8x − 20, which is equivalent to the original expression.