Example 3

Use the distributive law to rewrite these expressions without brackets.

1. \(5(x-4)\)
2. \(4(3x+2)\)
3. \(6(4-2x)\)

Solution

1. \(5(x-4)=5x-20\)
2. \(4(3x+2)=12x+8\)
3. \(6(4-2x)=24-12x\)

Example 4

Use the distributive law to rewrite these expressions without brackets.

1. \(\dfrac{3x+1}{3}\)
2. \(\dfrac{2-x}{2}\)

Solution

1. \(\dfrac{3x+1}{3}=x+\dfrac{1}{3}\)
2. \(\dfrac{2-x}{2}=1-\dfrac{x}{2}\)