SOLUTION: 7(x^2+8)-(2-4) ----------- ------- 16(x)+8 X= -2 I know I have to plug in -2 to X. However after that I'm not sure whether I have to distribute the 7 and the -1 or if I subtra

Algebra.Com
Question 775371: 7(x^2+8)-(2-4)
-------------------
16(x)+8
X= -2
I know I have to plug in -2 to X. However after that I'm not sure whether I have to distribute the 7 and the -1 or if I subtract them first and then distribute the result

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
7(x^2+8)-(2-4)
-------------------
16(x)+8


If you distribute the -1, considering it as



you get:



or



If you subtract them first, you get





So it doesn't matter which you do.  However
when you can combine the terms inside the
parentheses, that is always shorter.
The only time you MUST distribute is when 
a parentheses contains unlike terms, like
the first parentheses.

You must distribute the 7:



And then combine like terms:



Now plug in -2 for x











Divide top and bottom by 2



Edwin


RELATED QUESTIONS

Solve the equation: 3x/(x-4)=-x I have worked it down to x^2 = x, however I'm not... (answered by Earlsdon)
Solve. (x - 3)^2 + (x + 2)^2 = 17 I am not sure what to do after I distribute the... (answered by haileytucki,richard1234)
I am stuck again. I am not sure how to simplify this one with the exponent in it... (answered by Heretohelpya!)
How to factor {{{x^3-x^2+8x-8}}} completely? So far I have this as my work...... (answered by Alan3354)
I have a few I am totally stuck on. #1)2/x+3 - 2x+3/x-1 = 6x-5/x^2+2x-3 Okay... (answered by mananth)
i am currently working on the carnegie learning disc. i have submitted parts of the... (answered by venugopalramana,funmath)
I am curious as how to accurately solve for X in the problem: √3-X(Numerator)... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)
I need some help finishing this problem. The instructions say to find the equation of a... (answered by ewatrrr)
I tried this problem by myself but not sure if I got it right, and have the feeling that... (answered by solver91311)