ExpertEasy2 marksShort Answer
AQA GCSE · Question 12.3 · Algebra
Simplify fully 4(a + 2) + a
Simplify fully 4(a + 2) + a
How to approach this question
1. Start with the expression 4(a + 2) + a.
2. First, expand the brackets. Multiply the term outside the bracket (4) by each term inside the bracket.
3. 4 * a = 4a.
4. 4 * 2 = 8.
5. The expression becomes 4a + 8 + a.
6. Now, collect like terms. The like terms are 4a and a.
7. 4a + a = 5a.
8. The constant term is 8.
9. Combine them to get the final simplified expression: 5a + 8.
Full Answer
5a + 8
The expression is 4(a + 2) + a.
Step 1: Expand the brackets.
We multiply the 4 outside the bracket by everything inside it.
4 × a = 4a
4 × 2 = 8
So, 4(a + 2) becomes 4a + 8.
The expression is now: 4a + 8 + a.
Step 2: Collect like terms.
We group the terms with 'a' together and the constant numbers together.
(4a + a) + 8
5a + 8
The fully simplified expression is 5a + 8.
Common mistakes
✗ Incorrectly expanding the bracket, e.g., 4a + 2 (forgetting to multiply the 4 by the 2).
✗ Incorrectly collecting like terms, e.g., 4a + a = 4a².
✗ Trying to combine the 5a and 8, e.g., 13a.
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