Question

Which is the first step in simplifying the expression 2(x + 3) + 5?

2x + 2(3) + 5
2x + 3 + 5
2 + x + 3 + 5
2(5) + x + 3

Answer 1

Distribute the 2 through (x + 3) After you multiply it through you get 2x + 2(3) + 5, which is the first item on your list. 

Answer 2

2x + 2(3) + 5

Explanation:

The first step in this type of expression is to develop the parenthesis, that is, to multiply the components within the parenthesis by the term that is just outside it.

In this case the first step is as follows:

2x + 2(3) +5

which is to multiply the 2 by the x and the same 2 by the 3 to remove the parenthesis, so the answer is the first option.