Multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.
Use the rule a(b + c) = ab + ac.
Use the rule a(b – c) = ab – ac.
Keep the signs of each term when multiplying.
Combine like terms after removing the parentheses.
Check that every term inside the parentheses was multiplied.
Example: 3(x + 4) = 3x + 12
Example: 5(2y – 1) = 10y – 5