factor each of the following using the distributive property

Question

(2x + 4) + (3x - 14)

Answer 1

Is this a trick question? It feels like a trick question.

(2x + 4) + (3x - 14)

Essentially, there's just positive 1s on the outside of the parentheses:

1(2x + 4) + 1(3x - 14)

That leaves us with:

2x + 4 + 3x - 14

Simplify that for your answer.

 

Now, had it been (2x + 4) - (3x - 14) instead, then you would distribute that subtraction sign in order to get-3x and +14.

Answer 2

(2x + 4) + (3x - 14)

2(x + 4) + (3x - 14)