I need help with this problem

[salar2001]

I need help with this problem. I get confused when it should be neg or postive.

3(2a-1)-2(5a+1)+4(3a+4)

 

[JeffM]

I need help with this problem. I get confused when it should be neg or postive.

3(2a-1)-2(5a+1)+4(3a+4)

What are you supposed to do with this expression?

 

[DrPhil]

I need help with this problem. I get confused when it should be neg or postive.

3(2a-1)-2(5a+1)+4(3a+4)

We need to see your work.

What sign rules do you know?
What terms do you think are negative, and which are positive?

 

[stapel]

I get confused when it should be neg or postive.

3(2a-1)-2(5a+1)+4(3a+4)

If what you mean is that you have been instructed to simplify this expression and that you are experiencing difficulty with taking the negatives through the parentheses (as explained in many online lessons: link), then please so advise. If you mean something else, kindly please reply with corrections. Thank you.

 

[HallsofIvy]

I need help with this problem. I get confused when it should be neg or postive.

3(2a-1)-2(5a+1)+4(3a+4)

3(2a)= 6a
3(-1)= -3
-2(5a)= -10a
-2(1)= -2
4(3a)= 12a
4(4)= 16