2. Expression: Simplify: \( 4(a+3)-2(3 a-5)+6 \)

Let's break it down! First, distribute the terms inside the parentheses: \( 4(a + 3) = 4a + 12 \) and \( -2(3a - 5) = -6a + 10 \). Now, substitute these back into your expression: \( 4a + 12 - 6a + 10 + 6 \). Combine like terms: \( (4a - 6a) + (12 + 10 + 6) = -2a + 28 \). So, the simplified expression is \( -2a + 28 \). Keep on simplifying! To verify your answer, you can plug in a value for \( a \). Let's say \( a = 1 \). The original expression becomes \( 4(1 + 3) - 2(3 \cdot 1 - 5) + 6 \) which simplifies step by step to confirm whether \( -2(1) + 28 \) equals 26. It's a fun way to double-check your calculations!