Question

Evaluate the expression -2/3x -4 +1/2x-3 +5/6x when x = 3 before and after simplifying. Which method do you prefer, before simplifying or after simplifying? Explain.

Answer 1

Not sure what operation the options are before and after for, so bear with me:

I would go with after plugging in x

Because once you have x, the equation becomes: (-2/3 x 3) - 4 + (1/2 x 3) - 3 + (5/6 x 3)

then use PEMDAS to solve

after solving the parentheses portions, its just simple addition/subtraction.

Answer 2

-30 (Simplifying Method)

Explanation:

-2/3x -4 +1/2x-3 +5/6x when x = 3

Substitute for x in the given expression above i.e.

-2/3(3) -4 + 1/2(3) -3 + 5/6(3)

= -6/3 -4 + 3/2 -3 + 5/2

Finding the L.C.M we have 6

= -12 -24 + 9 -18 +15

= -30