Question

Are the expressions –0.5(3x + 5) and –1.5x + 2.5 equivalent? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

Both expressions are not equal.

Explanation:

-0.5(3x+5) = -1.5x - 2.5

–1.5x+2.5 = -1.5x + 2.5

The first expression results in subtracting 2.5, the second expression results in adding 2.5.

Answer 2

No.

Explanation:

If you distribute the 1st equation out, you will be able to see that it is -1.5x - 2.5 while the other equation is -1.5x + 2.5. Since you have to distribute the negative, they are not equivalent.