Simplifying by Distributing and Combining Like Terms
Simplify — an expression where a constant term precedes a product that must be distributed. Because the order of operations requires multiplication before subtraction, the factor of must be distributed across the parenthesized sum before the is dealt with.
Step 1 — Distribute: Multiply by each term inside the parentheses. The subtraction sign in front of the means the factor being distributed is :
Step 2 — Multiply: Compute each product: and :
Step 3 — Combine like terms: The constants and are like terms: . The variable term has no like-term partner:
The simplified result is . A common error is to subtract from first, producing . This is incorrect because multiplication (distribution) must be performed before subtraction according to the order of operations.
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Simplifying by Distributing and Combining Like Terms