Here are some pointers when solving expression equations:
Vocabulary
Combining Like Terms
When you combine like terms, combine the terms that look the same. So, all terms that have an x will be combine together using the operation to the left of the term. All free standing numbers, also known as constant terms, will be combine together as well.
***YOU CAN NOT COMBINE TERMS WITH DIFFERENT VARIABLES. EXAMPLE: 3x AND 5y. OR 3x AND 7.
When you distribute you use multiplication. So for this example you will:
1.multiply the 4 by the 3x as well as +2.
12x+8
2. Then multiply the 2 by x and -3.
2x-6
3. Combine the like terms.
12x+2x=14x
8+(-6) or 8-6= 2
4. FINAL ANSWER: 14x+2