Final answer:
To simplify the expression 3(2x-7)+ 1.5(7x+2), we expand each term, combine like terms, and get a simplified expression of 16.5x - 18. We should also check the answer for reasonableness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the algebraic expression 3(2x−7)+ 1½ (7x+2), we first expand each term in the parentheses and then combine like terms. Starting with the first expression:
Now we address the second expression:
- 1½ means 1.5 in decimal form, so:
- 1.5(7x) = 10.5x
- 1.5(2) = 3
Combining like terms:
- 6x + 10.5x = 16.5x
- −21 + 3 = −18
So, the simplified expression is 16.5x − 18.
After simplifying, we should also check if the answer is reasonable by ensuring that all like terms are combined and no arithmetic errors have been made.