Question

Alexander says that 3x + 4y is equivalent to (3)(4) + xy because of any order, any grouping. Is he correct why or why not

Answer 1

Alexander is incorrect because the expressions are not equivalent.

Explanation:

If the expression is evaluated for any value of x, y; the result will not be same.

For instance, let assume x = 1 and y = 2

3x + 4y = 3 + 4 = 7

(3)(4) + xy = (3)(4) + (1 * 2) = 12 + 2 = 14

So, the expressions are not the same and Alexander is incorrect.