Xaidread wrote:
Apparently, I need to explain how to simplify this problem:
14x + 8 - 20x / 5 + 2(x - 1)
Using my calculator, I've gotten the answer 6 but I don't know how I do the math so I can't get to the explaining. My calculator also says that anything with x is 0.
Hmm...I can't tell how much you know about simplifying, so I'll just give you the full lecture.
Since that problem has a variable (x), you can't simplify it down to just a number: the simplified form will have to have x in it, since you don't know what x equals (don't go with your calculator on these kinds of problems). You have to combine the x terms, then do the rest of the math. Make sure you get 4x out of 20x /5. Also, you'll have to distribute for 2(x-1)--which gives you 2x-2. You should end up with something like -6x + 8 - 4x + 2x +2, which is much easier to simplify than the original equation.
If you need an easier example, take a look at this problem:
7x + 5(x+4)
First, distribute the 5 to get 5x + 20. Then add the 5x and 7x. Your final answer would be 12x + 20. This IS simplified even though it isn't just one number.
I hope I wasn't just restating what you already knew there.