Question which-

2.4 Equivalent Expressions - Simplifying polynomials
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5 x plus 15

Which of the following is equivalent to the given expression?

A.

5 times, open parenthesis, x plus 3, close parenthesis

B.

5 times, open parenthesis, x plus 10, close parenthesis

C.

5 times, open parenthesis, x plus 15, close parenthesis

D.

5 times, open parenthesis, x plus 20, close parenthesis

Which of the following is equivalent to the given expression?

Easy-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 A is correct. Since 5 is a factor of both terms, 5 x and 15, the given expression can be factored and rewritten as 5 times, open parenthesis, x plus 3, close parenthesis.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from subtracting 5 from the constant when factoring 5 from the given expression. Choice C is incorrect and may result from factoring 5 from only the first term, not both terms, of the given expression. Choice D is incorrect and may result from adding 5 to the constant when factoring 5 from the given expression.