Example

Simplifying 93(x+2)9 - 3(x + 2) by Distributing and Combining Like Terms

To simplify the expression 93(x+2)9 - 3(x + 2), apply the order of operations, which requires multiplication (distribution) to be performed before subtraction.

Step 1 — Distribute: Multiply the factor 3-3 by each term inside the parentheses. The subtraction sign before the 33 indicates that 3-3 is being distributed: 93x329 - 3 \cdot x - 3 \cdot 2

Step 2 — Multiply: Evaluate the products: 3x=3x3 \cdot x = 3x and 32=63 \cdot 2 = 6: 93x69 - 3x - 6

Step 3 — Combine like terms: Group the constant terms together. The constants are 99 and 6-6, and their difference is 96=39 - 6 = 3: 3x+3-3x + 3

The simplified result is 3x+3-3x + 3. Distributing the negative factor first is critical before combining any constant terms.

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Updated 2026-05-02

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