Are 3(x + 2) and 3x + 6 equivalent

Step by step

The question

Question: are 3(x + 2) and 3x + 6 equivalent?

Equivalent means: the two are equal, whatever number the letter is.

First we simplify the first one: 3(x + 2).

We write it shorter, with the same value.

1 Open the brackets

The 3 in front of the bracket multiplies every part inside.

So we write 3 times each part.

3 times x is 3x.

3 times 2 is 6.

2 Compare

Now both are 3x + 6.

The same terms.

So yes: they are equivalent.

3 Check

Let's check with a number: x = 2.

The first gives 12.

The second gives 12.

The same.

So the answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: open the brackets.

Then: compare.

Last: check.