Ranger wants to verify that the expression 8x – 20 is the correct simplified expression for 4(2x – 5). Explain how to verify the simplified expression.

Answer:

Distribute 4 to both terms: 4(2x) = 8x and 4(-5) = -20, so 4(2x - 5) = 8x - 20. You can also substitute the same number for x in both expressions and use order of operations; if the values match, the expressions are equivalent.