SOLUTION: what is the answer to: -2x-3(x-5)-1 Directions say to simplify. I first thought you would combine like terms but i cannot figure this out.

Question 718666: what is the answer to: -2x-3(x-5)-1

Directions say to simplify. I first thought you would combine like terms but i cannot figure this out.
Answer by rapaljer(4671) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The first step, if there are parentheses in the problem, is to remove the parentheses by distributive property.
-2x -3(x-5) -1
-2x-3x+15-1

Now, combine like terms:
-5x + 14

For additional explanations on this type of problem that may be easier to understand than the traditional explanations, please see my own website at www.mathinlivingcolor.com. Then click on the link at the very bottom of the page, which will take you to my Homepage, and look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Choose "Basic Algebra", and look in Chapter 1 for topics about Signed Numbers, Order of Operations, and especially Distributive Property. You may also really like my explanation of Equation Solving. Also, look for solutions to many of the problems you will find there IN COLOR!! Color really makes a difference in being able to understand what was done in the problem.

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
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