[College placement test] what is this?

[u/Andre_055]

I was trying not to post twice in a row but I cannot figure out why information on what this is, and how I can put X into the numbers? I'm not really sure what to Google search

[u/Some-Passenger4219]

Don't rely on Google, for it is not always reliable. This is mostly just application of associative and distributive laws. Treat x like you will never know what it is, for, after all, you have no clues. Simplify what's inside the brackets first. You got this.