What is 3x-1+5x+7

Question

Using the distributive property

Answer 1

What is 3x-1+5x+7

Combine like terms first. 3x + 5x = 8x and -1 + 7 = 6

8x + 6

Factor using the greatest common factor (GCF) which is 2.

8/2 = 4 and 6/2 = 3

Answer:

2(4x + 3)

Answer 2

Hi Hana,

I'm not sure what format your final answer is supposed to be in, but I would recommend that you first combine any like terms. So, put together the 3x and the 5x and you get 8x. Then put together the numbers without variables, -1 + 7, and you get +6. You now have 8x+6.

Next, you need to use the distributive property to "undistribute" any factors that the two terms have in common. I look at the 8x and the +6, and I see that they both have a factor of 2. So, I can rewrite the expression 8x + 6 as 2(4x+3) because I would have to multiply 2 times 4x to get 8x, and I would have to multiply 2 times 3 to get +6. The answer can also be written as 2(4x) + 2(3) depending on what format you book or teacher are looking for.

I hope this helps! :)