Question

simplify the expression.
-6a + 7(-2a - 4) =

Explanation:

Step1: Distribute the 7

Using the distributive property \( c(a + b)=ca+cb \), we distribute 7 to \(-2a\) and \(-4\):
\( 7(-2a - 4)=7\times(-2a)+7\times(-4)=-14a - 28 \)

Step2: Combine like terms

Now, combine the \( a \)-terms: \(-6a-14a=-20a\), and the constant term is \(-28\). So the expression becomes:
\(-6a - 14a - 28=-20a - 28\)

Answer:

\(-20a - 28\)