Question

What is the simplest form of the expression (14.2a + 9.8b) – (13.1b – 0.2a) – (3.7a + 4.8b)?

10.7a – 8.1b
10.7a+ 27.7b
18.1a - 8.1b
18.1a + 27.7b

Answer 1

The first; 10.7a-8.1b

Answer 2

`10.7a - 8.1b`

Explanation:

the simplest form of the expression (14.2a + 9.8b) - (13.1b - 0.2a) - (3.7a + 4.8b)

`(14.2a + 9.8b) - (13.1b - 0.2a)- (3.7a + 4.8b)`

To subtract the expressions we multiply negative sign inside the second parenthesis, change the sign of each term in second and third parenthesis

`14.2a + 9.8b - 13.1b + 0.2a-3.7a-4.8b`

Now we combine like terms

`14.2a +0.2a-3.7a = 10.7a`

`9.8b - 13.1b-4.8b=-8.1b`

So the expression becomes

`10.7a - 8.1b`