SOLUTION: Say I had a problem like "2+5(3a+6)" would I add 2 and 5, than distribute 7 to the parenthesis? or distribute 5 to the parenthesis and THEN combine like terms?

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: Say I had a problem like "2+5(3a+6)" would I add 2 and 5, than distribute 7 to the parenthesis? or distribute 5 to the parenthesis and THEN combine like terms?       Log On


   

Question 666883: Say I had a problem like "2+5(3a+6)"
would I add 2 and 5, than distribute 7 to the parenthesis?
or distribute 5 to the parenthesis and THEN combine like terms?
Found 2 solutions by lynnlo, Alan3354:
Answer by lynnlo(4176) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2+5(3a+6)
32+15a=0
15a+(32-32)=-32
32-32=0
15a=-32
a=-32/15

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Say I had a problem like "2+5(3a+6)"
would I add 2 and 5, than distribute 7 to the parenthesis?
or distribute 5 to the parenthesis and THEN combine like terms?
= 2 + (15a+30)
= 15a + 32
--------------
Remember PEMDAS, do it in that order
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiply
Divide
Add
Subtract
--------
So multiply (or distribute) first.