how to simplify this 5x-3(x-4)

Question

distributive property 

Answer 1

5x² - 23x + 12

Answer 2

The first thing I would do, to make it easier for yourself, is change the equation to:

5x + -3(x + -4)

or 5x plus -3(x plus -4)

Then you need to "distribute" -3 to both parts inside the parentheses (x+ -4).  The first part, 5x, won't change at all.

 

5x plus -3 times (the rest.)  Multiply -3 times each part inside the parentheses now.

5x + (-3)(x) +(-3)(-4)

 

5x + -3x + -12

5x-3x +-12

2x  + -12

2x-12