Identify the simplest form of the expression 2(x + 3) + 4(x - 1).

To simplify the expression 2(x + 3) + 4(x - 1), you first need to distribute the coefficients to the terms inside the parentheses.

Starting with 2(x + 3), distribute the 2:

• 2 * x = 2x

• 2 * 3 = 6

This gives you 2x + 6.

Next, for 4(x - 1), distribute the 4:

• 4 * x = 4x

• 4 * -1 = -4

This results in 4x - 4.

Now, combine the results from the two distributions:

2x + 6 + 4x - 4.

Next, combine like terms:

• Combine the x terms: 2x + 4x = 6x

• Combine the constant terms: 6 - 4 = 2

When you put it all together, the expression simplifies to 6x + 2, which is the simplest form.

This means the correct answer is 6x + 2, which directly matches the option provided. The misunderstanding might have arisen in the calculation or when identifying the output of combining like terms.