Before simplifying:
−8x + 5 − 2x − 4 + 5x
= −8*2 + 5 − 2*2 − 4 + 5*2
= -16 + 5 - 4 - 4 + 10
= -9
After simplifying:
−8x + 5 − 2x − 4 + 5x
= -5x + 1
= -5*2 + 1
= -10 + 1
= -9
I prefer evaluating the expression after simplifying because it is quicker, as there are less individual values to add together at the end. Therefore, it is easier to avoid mistakes.
