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ASVAB · Factoring and Polynomials

Simplify the expression: 3(2x + 4) − 2x.

Correct answer

4x + 12

  1. A 4x + 12
  2. B 6x + 4
  3. C 4x + 4
  4. D 8x + 12

Why this is the answer

First distribute the 3 across the parentheses: 3 × 2x = 6x and 3 × 4 = 12, giving 6x + 12. Then subtract 2x: 6x + 12 − 2x. Combine like terms (6x − 2x = 4x): the result is 4x + 12. The key steps are distributing first, then combining like terms (the x-terms together, the constants separately). A common error is forgetting to distribute the 3 to both terms inside the parentheses. The simplified expression is 4x + 12.
Source: ASVAB MK, Distributing and Combining Terms

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