Question 100·Easy·Equivalent Expressions
Which expression is equivalent to ?
For equivalent-expression questions, apply the distributive property carefully, then combine like terms step by step. Write out intermediate steps (such as and separately) to avoid sign errors, and only at the end compare your simplified expression to the answer choices. This method is fast, reduces mistakes, and is more reliable than trying to manipulate the answer choices directly.
Hints
Use the distributive property
Focus first on the part . Multiply 4 by each term inside the parentheses before dealing with .
Rewrite the expression after distributing
After you multiply 4 by and by , rewrite the whole expression without parentheses and include the at the end.
Combine like terms
Once you have an expression of the form (something) plus or minus another (something), combine those terms into a single term, then simplify.
Desmos Guide
Enter the original expression
In a Desmos expression line, type 4(3y - 2) - 5y. Desmos will display a simplified form of this expression next to what you typed.
Compare with the choices
Look at the simplified expression Desmos shows and compare it to each answer choice (A–D). Identify which choice has exactly the same algebraic form as the simplified result in Desmos.
Step-by-step Explanation
Distribute the 4 across the parentheses
Start with the expression .
Distribute 4 to each term inside the parentheses:
So the expression becomes:
Combine like terms and match the result
Now combine the terms in :
So the simplified expression is:
Look at the answer choices and select the one that matches .