use the associative property to simplify the expression 3x+(x+2) to its simplest forms

1 answer

To simplify the expression \( 3x + (x + 2) \) using the associative property, we can regroup the terms. The associative property allows us to change the grouping of terms in an addition without changing the result.

  1. First, rewrite the expression: \[ 3x + (x + 2) \]

  2. By the associative property, we can remove the parentheses: \[ 3x + x + 2 \]

  3. Now, combine the like terms (\(3x\) and \(x\)): \[ (3x + x) + 2 = 4x + 2 \]

Thus, the simplified form of the expression \( 3x + (x + 2) \) is: \[ \boxed{4x + 2} \]