Evaluate the expression -8x + 5 - 2x - 4 + 5x when x = 2 before and after simplifying. Which one do you prefer ? Explain.

Answer 1

Before: -8(2)+5-2(2)-4+5(2) = -16+5-4-4+10 = -9

After: -5x+1 = -5(2)+1 = -9

After simplifying seems much easier to me!