Question

Explain step-by-step, how do I arrive at a single rational number to represent the following expression show both a written explanation and the related math work for each step. Use proper MATH VOCABULARY in your explanation.

24 -( -1/2) -12.5

Answer 1

To arrive at a single rational number for the given expression, combine like terms and perform the necessary operations step by step. In this case, the expression simplifies to 12.

Step-by-step explanation:

To arrive at a single rational number to represent the given expression, follow these steps:

1. First, simplify the expression within the parentheses. In this case, -(-1/2) equals 1/2, so the expression becomes 24 + 1/2 - 12.5.
2. Next, subtract 12.5 from 24 and add the result to 1/2. This gives us 24 + 1/2 - 12.5 = 11.5 + 1/2.
3. To combine the whole number and the fraction, we need a common denominator. In this case, the common denominator is 2. So, the expression becomes (23/2) + (1/2).
4. Add the numerators together: 23 + 1 = 24.
5. Keep the common denominator unchanged: 24/2.
6. Divide the numerator by the denominator to get the final answer: 24/2 = 12.