Simplifying the Expression: (15a - 2b - 15) - (12 + 4b - 3a)
This expression involves combining like terms and applying the distributive property. Let's break down the steps to simplify it:
Step 1: Distribute the negative sign
The negative sign outside the second set of parentheses needs to be distributed to each term inside. This changes the signs of all the terms within the parentheses.
(15a - 2b - 15) - (12 + 4b - 3a) = 15a - 2b - 15 - 12 - 4b + 3a
Step 2: Combine like terms
Identify terms with the same variable and exponent and combine their coefficients.
- a terms: 15a + 3a = 18a
- b terms: -2b - 4b = -6b
- Constant terms: -15 - 12 = -27
Step 3: Write the simplified expression
Combine the simplified terms to obtain the final expression.
18a - 6b - 27
Therefore, the simplified expression for (15a - 2b - 15) - (12 + 4b - 3a) is 18a - 6b - 27.