can you check if i did these 3 problems right or not:

-5 (a+2)
i got: -3

simplify:
5 (x+2)
i got: 3

simplify:
(y-3) (-4)
i got: 12

3 answers

If you don't know what the unknowns a, x and y are, you cannot calculate a numerical value.

I think you misinterpreted the problem. Just simplify as follows:

-5 (a+2) = -5a -10
5 (x+2) = 5x + 10
etc
thats what i thought i needed to know what a x and y were? but it was on my test and i got it wrong. now i have to correct but i don't know how. heres how instruction on test are:
find the products:
-5 (a+2)

answer choices were:
a) -5a -3
b) -5a +10
c) -5a +2
d) -5a -10
i don't know which is correct

the other 2 problems were not multiple choice. just
simplify:
5(x+2)

(y-3)(-4)
find the products:
-5 (a+2)

answer choices were:
a) -5a -3
b) -5a +10
c) -5a +2
d) -5a -10
i don't know which is correct

When you multiply a negative by a positive, the product is negative.

5(x+2) = 5x + 10

(y-3)(-4) = -4y + 12