Distributive Property: 5(x + 2)
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to apply the distributive property to the expression 5(x + 2). Specifically, it wants to find the equivalent expression after distributing 5 across the terms in the parentheses.
Answer
The equivalent expression is $5x + 10$.
Answer for screen readers
The equivalent expression is $5x + 10$.
Steps to Solve
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Identify the expression to distribute The expression we need to simplify is $5(x + 2)$.
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Apply the distributive property Distributing $5$ means multiplying it with each term inside the parentheses. So, distribute $5$ to both $x$ and $2$: $$ 5(x + 2) = 5 \cdot x + 5 \cdot 2 $$
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Simplify the expressions Now, simplify the two products:
- The first part: $5 \cdot x = 5x$
- The second part: $5 \cdot 2 = 10$
Thus, we combine these results: $$ 5x + 10 $$
The equivalent expression is $5x + 10$.
More Information
This expression shows the result of applying the distributive property, which is a fundamental concept in algebra. By distributing, we can rewrite expressions in a different, often simpler, form.
Tips
- Forgetting to distribute to all terms inside the parentheses.
- Confusing $5 \cdot 2$ with $5 + 2$. Remember, you multiply, not add.
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