Multiply.

To solve , you need to distribute the 9 to both terms inside the parentheses. This gives you , which simplifies to . So, the final answer is .

Did you know that multiplication distributes over addition and subtraction? This property is super handy in algebra and simplifies expressions quickly! It’s like giving every ingredient in a recipe the same extra kick of flavor!

And for those dealing with expressions frequently, be cautious of common mistakes such as forgetting to multiply every term. When distributing, if you miss a term, it’s like leaving out an ingredient in a baking recipe—you may not get the result you expected!