Simplify The Expression 3 ( J + 2 ) − 2 3(j+2)-2 3 ( J + 2 ) − 2 . 3 ( J + 2 ) − 2 = □ J + □ 3(j+2)-2 = \square J + \square 3 ( J + 2 ) − 2 = □ J + □

Simplify the Expression $3(j+2)-2$

In algebra, simplifying expressions is a crucial skill that helps us solve equations and manipulate mathematical statements. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the expression $3(j+2)-2$ using the distributive property and combining like terms. By the end of this article, you will be able to simplify expressions like this one and understand the underlying concepts.

The given expression is $3(j+2)-2$. To simplify this expression, we need to understand the order of operations and the properties of algebraic expressions. The expression consists of three terms: $3(j+2)$, $-2$, and the parentheses around the first term.

The distributive property states that for any real numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$, $a(b+c) = ab + ac$. This property allows us to distribute the multiplication operation to each term inside the parentheses.

Applying the Distributive Property

We can apply the distributive property to the expression $3(j+2)$ by multiplying the $3$ to each term inside the parentheses:

$$3(j+2) = 3j + 3(2)$$

Using the distributive property, we can simplify the expression further:

$$3(j+2) = 3j + 6$$

Now that we have simplified the first term, we can combine like terms to simplify the entire expression. The expression now looks like this:

$$3j + 6 - 2$$

We can combine the constant terms $6$ and $-2$ by adding them together:

$$3j + 6 - 2 = 3j + 4$$

By applying the distributive property and combining like terms, we have simplified the expression $3(j+2)-2$ to $3j + 4$. This is the final simplified expression.

In this article, we simplified the expression $3(j+2)-2$ using the distributive property and combining like terms. We applied the distributive property to each term inside the parentheses and then combined like terms to simplify the entire expression. By following these steps, you can simplify expressions like this one and understand the underlying concepts.

Simplifying expressions is a crucial skill in algebra and has many real-world applications. In physics, for example, we often need to simplify complex expressions to solve problems. In engineering, we use algebraic expressions to model real-world systems and simplify them to make predictions and decisions.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you simplify expressions like this one:

• Always apply the distributive property to each term inside the parentheses.
• Combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients of the same variables.
• Use parentheses to group terms and make it easier to simplify the expression.

Here are some practice problems to help you practice simplifying expressions like this one:

1. Simplify the expression $2(x+3)-4$.
2. Simplify the expression $4(y-2)+3$.
3. Simplify the expression $5(z+1)-2$.

Here are the answers to the practice problems:

1. $2x + 2$
2. $4y - 5$
3. $5z - 1$

In conclusion, simplifying expressions is a crucial skill in algebra that has many real-world applications. By applying the distributive property and combining like terms, we can simplify complex expressions and understand the underlying concepts. With practice and patience, you can become proficient in simplifying expressions like this one and apply it to real-world problems.
Simplify the Expression $3(j+2)-2$ Q&A

In our previous article, we simplified the expression $3(j+2)-2$ using the distributive property and combining like terms. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about simplifying expressions like this one.

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a mathematical property that allows us to distribute the multiplication operation to each term inside the parentheses. For example, $a(b+c) = ab + ac$.

Q: How do I apply the distributive property?

A: To apply the distributive property, simply multiply the term outside the parentheses to each term inside the parentheses. For example, $3(j+2) = 3j + 3(2)$.

Q: What are like terms?

A: Like terms are terms that have the same variable and coefficient. For example, $3x$ and $5x$ are like terms because they both have the variable $x$ and the coefficient $3$ and $5$ respectively.

Q: How do I combine like terms?

A: To combine like terms, simply add or subtract the coefficients of the same variables. For example, $3x + 5x = 8x$.

Q: What is the order of operations?

A: The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when simplifying an expression. The order of operations is:

1. Parentheses
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication and Division
4. Addition and Subtraction

Q: How do I simplify an expression with parentheses?

A: To simplify an expression with parentheses, follow these steps:

1. Apply the distributive property to each term inside the parentheses.
2. Combine like terms.
3. Simplify the expression further if possible.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions include:

• Forgetting to apply the distributive property
• Not combining like terms
• Not following the order of operations
• Making errors when simplifying expressions with parentheses

Q: How can I practice simplifying expressions?

A: You can practice simplifying expressions by working through practice problems, such as the ones listed below:

1. Simplify the expression $2(x+3)-4$.
2. Simplify the expression $4(y-2)+3$.
3. Simplify the expression $5(z+1)-2$.

Here are some practice problems to help you practice simplifying expressions like this one:

1. Simplify the expression $3(a+2)-1$.
2. Simplify the expression $2(b-3)+4$.
3. Simplify the expression $4(c+1)-2$.

Here are the answers to the practice problems:

1. $3a + 5$
2. $2b - 2$
3. $4c - 2$

In conclusion, simplifying expressions is a crucial skill in algebra that has many real-world applications. By applying the distributive property and combining like terms, we can simplify complex expressions and understand the underlying concepts. With practice and patience, you can become proficient in simplifying expressions like this one and apply it to real-world problems.