Question

Complete the number machine so that z = 5w - 3.

a. z = 5(w - 3)
b. z = 5w - 3
c. z = 5w + 3
d. z = 5(w + 3)

Answer 1

Option (b) z = 5w - 3 is the correct answer as it matches the desired expression z = 5w - 3 exactly without any modifications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking for the correct expression that completes the number machine equation where z = 5w - 3. Looking at the options provided:

• z = 5(w - 3) would actually equate to z = 5w - 15 when distributed, not z = 5w - 3.
• z = 5w - 3 is exactly the same as the target equation, so it is correct.
• z = 5w + 3 adds 3 instead of subtracting it, making it incorrect.
• z = 5(w + 3) would equate to z = 5w + 15 when distributed, which is not z = 5w - 3.

Therefore, option (b) z = 5w - 3 is the correct answer as it matches the original equation without modifications.