Question

Sharina simplified the expression 3(2x – 6 – x + 1)2 – 2 + 4x. In Step 1 she simplified within the parentheses. In Step 2 she expanded the exponent.

A table titled Sharina's Work with 1 column and 4 rows. The column is labeled 3(2 x minus 6 minus x + 1) squared minus 2 + 4 x. The first row has entry 3(x minus 5) squared minus 2 + 4 x. The second row has entry 3(x squared minus 10 x + 25) minus 2 + 4x. Rows 3 and 4 are blank.
Which is a possible next step?

Simplify the expression by adding and subtracting from left to right.
Combine like terms within the parentheses.
Combine all x-terms.
Distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.

Answer 1

Distribute the 3 to each term in the parentheses by multiplying.

3(x^2 − 10x + 25) − 2 + 4x
→ 3x^2 − 30x + 75 − 2 + 4x
→ 3x^2 − 26x + 73