Algebra Practice Test

To simplify the expression 3(x + 2) + 4(x - 5), start by distributing the coefficients through each parenthesis.

First, multiply 3 by each term in the first parenthesis:

3(x + 2) = 3x + 6.

Next, multiply 4 by each term in the second parenthesis:

4(x - 5) = 4x - 20.

Now, you can combine the results of these distributions:

3(x + 2) + 4(x - 5) becomes:

3x + 6 + 4x - 20.

Next, combine like terms. First, add the coefficients of x:

3x + 4x = 7x.

Then, combine the constant terms:

6 - 20 = -14.

Putting it all together gives you:

7x - 14.

Thus, the correct simplification of the expression is 7x - 14, making it the accurate answer. This clearly shows the step-by-step process of distributing, combining like terms, and organizing the expression correctly to arrive at the simplest form.