Which of the following is equivalent to 3(x + 5) − 6 ?

Options

A. 3x − 3
B. 3x − 1
C. 3x + 9
D. 15x − 6

Answer

C

Explanation

Using the distributive property to multiply 3 and (x + 5) gives 3x + 15 − 6, which can be rewritten as 3x + 9. Choice A is incorrect and may result from rewriting the given expression as 3(x + 5 − 6). Choice B is incorrect and may result from incorrectly rewriting the expression as (3x + 5) − 6. Choice D is incorrect and may result from incorrectly rewriting the expression as 3(5x) − 6. Alternatively, evaluating the given expression and each answer choice for the same value of x, for example x = 0, will reveal which of the expressions is equivalent to the given expression.