Question

simplify the expression.
9 - 3(5 - 4x) = \square

Explanation:

Step1: Apply the distributive property

First, we need to distribute the -3 into the parentheses. The distributive property states that \(a(b - c)=ab - ac\). So, for \(-3(5 - 4x)\), we have \(-3\times5-(-3)\times4x=-15 + 12x\).

Step2: Combine like terms

Now, substitute this back into the original expression: \(9-15 + 12x\). Combine the constant terms \(9-15=-6\). So the simplified expression is \(12x-6\).

Answer:

\(12x - 6\)