Question

Which expressions are equivalent to -7z + (-4.5 + 2.5z + 6y - 3.5)?

a) -9.5z + 6y
b) -2.5z + 6y - 8
c) -7z - 2.5z + 6y - 8
d) -7z + 2.5z + 6y - 8

Answer 1

The equivalent expression is -4.5z + 6y - 8.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression -7z + (-4.5 + 2.5z + 6y - 3.5) can be simplified by combining like terms. Combining the constants (-4.5 and -3.5), the z terms (-7z and 2.5z), and the y term (6y), we get:

-7z + (-4.5 + 2.5z + 6y - 3.5)

= -7z + 2.5z + 6y - 4.5 - 3.5

= -4.5z + 6y - 8

Therefore, the equivalent expression to -7z + (-4.5 + 2.5z + 6y - 3.5) is -4.5z + 6y - 8.