Step by step
The question
Question: simplify 2(x + 4).
Simplify means: write it shorter, with the same value.
2(x + 4)
1 Open the brackets
The 2 in front of the bracket multiplies every part inside.
a(b + c) = ab + ac
So we write 2 times each part.
= 2(x) + 2(4)
2 times x is 2x.
2 times 4 is 8.
= 2x + 8
2 Check
Let's check.
We pick a number for each letter: x = 2.
We put it into the start.
Start: 2 × (2 + 4) = 2 × 6 = 12
Now into our answer.
Answer: 2 × 2 + 8 = 4 + 8 = 12
Both give 12.
Same value, so 2x + 8 is right!
Both give 12
Let's look back.
First: open the brackets.
Last: check.
Answer
= 2x + 8