Objective 25 Solve equations, combine like terms with parentheses ©2002 by R. Villar All Rights Reserved

Solve equations, combine like terms with parentheses It is usually easier to simplify an expression prior to solving an equation... In these examples, we will distribute first, and then solve the resulting equation... Example 4 = 2(x + 5) Distribute the 2 first... 4 = 2x + 10 Now, solve... –10 –10 –3 = x You can check the original problem... 4 = 2(–3 + 5) 4 = 2 (2) √ –6 = 2x 2 2

Example:5(a + 8) = 6[a – (2 – a)] This will take several steps…first, let’s simplify within the brackets… Recall that subtraction is the same as adding the opposite... 5(a + 8) = 6[a – 2 + a] Now, combine the a’s inside of the brackets... 5(a + 8) = 6[2a – 2] Now, distribute the 5 and distribute the 6… 5a + 40 = 12a – 4 –5a –5a 40 = 7a – = 7a 44 = a 7 Since there are variables on both sides of the equation, we will get variables on one side, and numbers on the other