Simplifying by Distributing and Combining Like Terms
To simplify the expression , apply the order of operations, which requires multiplication (distribution) to be performed before subtraction.
Step 1 — Distribute: Multiply the factor by each term inside the parentheses. The subtraction sign before the indicates that is being distributed:
Step 2 — Multiply: Evaluate the products: and :
Step 3 — Combine like terms: Group the constant terms together. The constants are and , and their difference is :
The simplified result is . Distributing the negative factor first is critical before combining any constant terms.
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