(1)) Which expression is equivalent to ?

To simplify the expression , you can distribute the to both terms inside the parentheses. This means multiplying by and by . So, you get:

Therefore, the expression equivalent to is .

If you want to deepen your understanding, consider that distributing is a fundamental algebraic skill. It’s like spreading out ingredients evenly in a recipe, ensuring that everything combines well.

Moreover, practicing these types of simplifications can bolster your confidence not just in algebra, but also in math-related fields like physics and engineering, where these principles frequently apply in solving equation systems or modeling real-world phenomena.