Question

What is the value of the expression 3 - 6(a + b) when a = 4 and b = -2? Show your work to support your answer.

a) -15
b) -12
c) -9
d) 9

Answer 1

To find the value of the expression 3 - 6(a + b) with a = 4 and b = -2, substitute the values into the expression, simplify, and subtract to get the answer -9.

Step-by-step explanation:

The value of the expression 3 - 6(a + b) when a = 4 and b = -2 is calculated by following these steps:

1. First, substitute the values of a and b into the expression: 3 - 6(4 + (-2)).
2. Next, calculate the sum inside the parentheses: 4 + (-2) equals 2.
3. Now the expression looks like this: 3 - 6(2).
4. Multiply 6 by 2 to get 12, so the expression becomes 3 - 12.
5. Finally, subtract 12 from 3, resulting in -9.

Therefore, the value of the expression is -9.