Learn it
Use the distributive property and combine like terms, even with negatives and fractions.
−3(2x − 5) = −6x + 15. Watch the sign: a negative times a negative is positive.
½(4y + 6) − y = 2y + 3 − y = y + 3.
Worked examples
Example 1
Simplify 5 − 2(3a − 4).
- Distribute −2: −6a + 8
- 5 − 6a + 8
- Combine constants: 13 − 6a
Answer: −6a + 13
Example 2
Simplify 0.5(8m − 2) + 1.5m.
- Distribute: 4m − 1
- 4m + 1.5m − 1
Answer: 5.5m − 1
Practice
Try these on paper first, then check your work.
- −4(x + 3)
- 2(3n − 1) − 5n
- ¾(8k + 4)
- 7 − (x − 2)
Show the answer key
- −4x − 12
- n − 2
- 6k + 3
- −x + 9