Question

Jeff uses the expression 2(3b + 1) to determine how many books (b) he needs to order for his store. If b = 12, how many books should Jeff order?

Answer 1

3 x 12 would equal 36, +1 would make it 37. Since there is no space in between 2 and the (, you multiply it. 37 x 3 = 111
So, Jeff should order 111 books

Answer 2

2(3b +1)
Replace b with 12.
2(3x12 + 1)
2(36 + 1)
2(37)
74.

Hope that helped!