Question

Which expression is equivalent to 3.5b + 4.5(0.5b) - 0.5 - 1.5b?

1) 2.5b - 1
2) 2.5b - 2
3) 2.5b - 0.5
4) 2.5b - 3

Answer 1

4.25b - 0.5, but it does not appear as an answer option.

Step-by-step explanation:

3.5b + 4.5(0.5b) - 0.5 - 1.5b

3.5b + 2.25b - 0.5 - 1.5b

5.75b - 0.5 - 1.5b

4.25b - 0.5

This does not appear on the answer options. Please check the values.

Answer 2

The equivalent expression is 2.75b - 0.5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression 3.5b + 4.5(0.5b) - 0.5 - 1.5b can be simplified by combining like terms. Here are the steps:

1. Distribute 4.5 to the terms inside the parentheses: 3.5b + 2.25b - 0.5 - 1.5b
2. Combine the like terms: (3.5b + 2.25b - 1.5b) - 0.5
3. Combine the coefficients of b: 4.25b - 1.5b - 0.5
4. Combine the constants: 4.25b - 0.5 - 1.5b
5. Combine like terms again: (4.25b - 1.5b) - 0.5
6. Combine the coefficients of b: 2.75b - 0.5

Therefore, the equivalent expression is 2.75b - 0.5. The correct option is 3) 2.5b - 0.5.