Let's use the distributive property to simplify the expression [tex]\( 7(3x + 4) \)[/tex].
1. Distribute the 7 across both terms inside the parentheses:
The distributive property states that [tex]\( a(b + c) = ab + ac \)[/tex]. In this case, [tex]\( a = 7 \)[/tex], [tex]\( b = 3x \)[/tex], and [tex]\( c = 4 \)[/tex]. Applying the distributive property:
[tex]\[
7(3x + 4) = 7 \cdot 3x + 7 \cdot 4
\][/tex]
2. Multiply the terms:
[tex]\[
7 \cdot 3x = 21x
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
7 \cdot 4 = 28
\][/tex]
3. Combine the simplified terms:
[tex]\[
7(3x + 4) = 21x + 28
\][/tex]
Therefore, the expression simplifies to [tex]\( 21x + 28 \)[/tex].
So, the original equation [tex]\( 7(3x + 4) \)[/tex] simplifies to [tex]\( 21x + 28 \)[/tex], and thus the equation
[tex]\[
7(3x + 4) = 21x + 28
\][/tex]
The answer is:
[tex]\[ 7(3x + 4) = 21x + 28 \][/tex]
