What Are the Steps to Simplify Algebraic Expressions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the steps to simplify the algebraic expression $$-2x[5x-(2x-7)]+6x[3x-(1+2x)]$$. The correct simplification involves first addressing the inner expressions, leading to $$5x - (2x - 7) = 3x + 7$$ and $$3x - (1 + 2x) = x - 1$$. After applying the distributive property, the expression simplifies to $$-20x$$. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding basic algebraic principles such as expanding brackets and combining like terms.

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eleventhxhour
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How do you simplify this?
$$-2x[5x-(2x-7)]+6x[3x-(1+2x)]$$

Can someone show the steps? I keep getting the wrong answer.
 
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eleventhxhour said:
How do you simplify this?
$$-2x[5x-(2x-7)]+6x[3x-(1+2x)]$$

Can someone show the steps? I keep getting the wrong answer.

I would first simplify the inside pieces, multiple, and then add. That is,
\[
5x - (2x - 7) = 5x - 2x + 7
\]
Correct?
Then we have
\[
-2x(3x + 7) = -6x^2 - 14x
\]
Now for the other piece, we have
\[
3x - 1 - 2x = x - 1
\]
Correct?
Then we have
\[
6x(x-1) = 6x^2 - 6x
\]
Now we can add the two pieces together to get
\[
-6x^2 - 14x + 6x^2 - 6x = -20x
\]
 
Last edited:
eleventhxhour said:
How do you simplify this?
$$-2x[5x-(2x-7)]+6x[3x-(1+2x)]$$

Can someone show the steps? I keep getting the wrong answer.

This is practically a duplicate of a previous question. You were given plenty of reponses. If you didn't understand you should have asked for clarification, although expanding brackets is so fundamental you will be able to find step by step guides in any textbook on secondary school algebra.
 

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