Question which-

2.4 Equivalent Expressions - Simplifying polynomials
0:00

Which of the following is equivalent to the given expression?

A.

3 x minus 2

B.

3 x plus 2

C.

3 x minus 8

D.

3 x plus 8

Which of the following is equivalent to the given expression?

Medium-difficulty · SAT Math · Equivalent Expressions — Simplifying polynomials. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice B is correct. Using the associative and commutative properties of addition, the given expression open parenthesis, x plus 5, close parenthesis, plus, open parenthesis, 2 x minus 3, close parenthesis can be rewritten as open parenthesis, x plus 2 x, close parenthesis, plus, open parenthesis, 5 minus 3, close parenthesis. Adding these like terms results in 3 x plus 2.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from adding open parenthesis, x minus 5, close parenthesis, plus, open parenthesis, 2 x plus 3, close parenthesis. Choice C is incorrect and may result from adding open parenthesis, x minus 5, close parenthesis, plus, open parenthesis, 2 x minus 3, close parenthesis. Choice D is incorrect and may result from adding open parenthesis, x plus 5, close parenthesis, plus, open parenthesis, 2 x plus 3, close parenthesis.