Question

Julia simplified the expression

1 (1/2) -4 (1/2)(1/2x - 1) Are her steps correct? If not, describe
where she went wrong, and solve it correctly showing all work.
a)1 (1/2)- 4 1/2(1/2x-1)
b)-3(1/2x - 1)
c)-3(1/2x)-3(-1)
d)- 3/2x + 3

Answer 1

Julia correctly simplified the expression 1 (1/2) - 4 (1/2)(1/2x - 1) to its final form, which is - 3/2x + 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student, Julia, was trying to simplify the expression 1 (1/2) - 4 (1/2)(1/2x - 1). Julia's steps are as follows:

1. 1 (1/2)- 4 1/2(1/2x-1)
2. -3(1/2x - 1)
3. -3(1/2x)-3(-1)
4. - 3/2x + 3

Julia's simplification process is correct. The mistake often happens in the distribution step or in simplifying fractions. However, Julia correctly distributed the -4 1/2 to both terms in the parentheses and then correctly simplified the expression. The final simplified form is - 3/2x + 3.