Question

Four students are simplifying the expression negative 5 x (four-fifths x minus 3). Which student’s work is correct? (negative 5 x)(4 over 5 x) minus 3. negative 5 times four-fifths times x times x minus 3. negative 4 x squared minus 3. (negative 5 x)(four-fifths x) (negative 5 x)(3). negative 5 times four-fifths times x times x (negative 5) times 3 times x. Negative 4 x squared minus 15 x. (negative 5 x)(four-fifths x) (negative 5 x) (negative 3). (negative 5) times four-fifths times x times x (negative 5) times (negative 3) times x. negative 4 x squared 15 x. (negative 5 x) (4 over 5 x) (negative 5)(negative 3). negative 5 times four-fifths times x times x 15. negative 4 x squared 15.

Answer 1

The first student's work is correct because it correctly distributes the negative sign through the parentheses and then multiplies the terms.