How does this equation simplify?

Question

The equation is (2x+1)(3x)

 

 From what I know, wouldn't you multiply 2 by 3, then add the x's which would be 6x². then leave the one, so then you have 6x²+1. But the answer I found out is 6x²+3x but what I am wondering is wouldn't the 3x cancel when you multiply it with 2x? 

 

Could you please add steps to solving this? thanks alot

Answer 1

Hi Ryan,

 

When you multiply a term outside parentheses with terms inside parentheses, you have to multiply each individually.

 

For example, 3(2 + 1) = 6 + 3 because 3 times 2 is 6 and 3 times 1 is 3.

 

3x(2x + 1) = 6x^2 + 3x because 3x times 2x is 6x^2 and 3x times 1 is 3x. 

 

Dan