Using the distributive property, simplify 3(4 + x).

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Multiple Choice

Using the distributive property, simplify 3(4 + x).

Explanation:
Distribute the outer factor across each term inside the parentheses: multiply 3 by 4 to get 12, and multiply 3 by x to get 3x. Put these results together as a sum: 12 + 3x. This follows the idea that a(b + c) = ab + ac, so you’re applying the 3 to every term inside the parentheses. If you skip multiplying by 3 on one term or try to group the terms differently, you wouldn’t be using the distributive property correctly.

Distribute the outer factor across each term inside the parentheses: multiply 3 by 4 to get 12, and multiply 3 by x to get 3x. Put these results together as a sum: 12 + 3x. This follows the idea that a(b + c) = ab + ac, so you’re applying the 3 to every term inside the parentheses. If you skip multiplying by 3 on one term or try to group the terms differently, you wouldn’t be using the distributive property correctly.

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