Question

Determine whether the following number sentences are TRUE or FALSE.

Justify your answer.
Part B 1/2-5/8-7/9=7/9-5/8-1/2

Answer 1

False

Explanation:

1/2 - 5/8 - 7/9 = 7/9 - 5/8 - 1/2

Add 5/8 to both sides.

1/2 - 7/9 = 7/9 - 1/2

Factor -1 out of the right side.

1/2 - 7/9 = -1(-7/9 + 1/2)

1/2 - 7/9 = -1(1/2 - 7/9)

1/2 - 7/9 and 7/9 - 1/2 are opposites. Opposites are not equal unless they are both zero.

Answer: False