Question

Write an expression that is equivalent to the expression 4n-n+0.5n-2n

Answer 1

1.5n

Explanation:

The distributive property can be used to simplify expressions like this (collect terms).

= n(4 -1 +.5 -2)

= n(3 +.5 -2)

= n(3.5 -2)

= n(1.5)

= 1.5n

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Of course, you can do the addition in any convenient way. Some like to add all the positive and negative terms, then find the difference.

= n((4 +.5) -(1 +2)) = n(4.5 -3) = 1.5n