Simplifying Expressions with the Distributive Property

What is the first step in simplifying an expression?

• Factoring

• Adding constants

• Distributing

• Combining like terms

When distributing a negative number, what must you remember to do?

• Only distribute the number

• Ignore the negative sign

• Distribute the negative sign along with the number

• Add the negative sign after distributing

What is the result of distributing -6 to both terms inside the parentheses in the expression -6(a + 3)?

• -6a - 18

• -6a + 18

• 6a + 18

• 6a - 18

After distributing, what are the like terms in the expression 7a - 6a + 6a^2?

• 7a and 6a^2

• 7a and -6a

• 7a and 6a

• 6a and 6a^2

What is the simplified form of the expression 7a - 6a + 6a^2?

• a + 6a^2

• 7a + 6a^2

• 13a + 6a^2

• 13a - 18

What should you do after simplifying an expression to ensure accuracy?

• Add constants

• Distribute again

• Pause and review the steps

• Check for like terms

What is a common mistake to avoid when distributing with subtraction?

• Not distributing the negative component

• Multiplying incorrectly

• Forgetting to combine like terms

• Adding instead of subtracting