3a-2(2a+4)
3a-2(2a + 4)
you multiply the parenthesis by -2, giving you
3a -4a -8
combine like terms
-a-8
To solve the expression 3a - 2(2a + 4), we will follow the order of operations, which is also known as PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
First, we will simplify the expression inside the parentheses by performing the addition operation: 2a + 4.
Next, we will distribute the -2 to both terms inside the parentheses. This means we will multiply -2 with each term: -2 * 2a and -2 * 4.
-2 * 2a = -4a
-2 * 4 = -8
After distributing, we have: 3a - 4a - 8.
Now, we can combine like terms. The terms -4a and 3a have the same variable, "a". When we combine like terms, we subtract the coefficients: 3a - 4a = -1a.
Finally, we have -1a - 8. However, it is common to write -1a as just -a. So the simplified expression is -a - 8.