First you need to look at the numbers in the ( ). Then the number outside the ( ). Then you use the number outside and multiply it by the first number. Example: 5(6m+7) 5 times 6m = 30m. Then you use the outside number again and use it on the next number. 5 times 7 = 35. Then you have 30m+35 without ( ) and the outside number no longer exists.