The expression 15t – 2t not equivalent to 2t – 15t because the negative sign in 15t – 2t belongs to the term 2t.
Solution:
Given expressions are 15t – 2t and 2t – 15t.
To determine 15t – 2t is equivalent to 2t – 15t or not.
Substitute t = 2 in above two expressions.
15t – 2t = 15(2) – 2(2)
= 30 – 4
= 26
2t – 15t = 2(2) – 15(2)
= 4 – 30
= –26
The values of the expressions are different when t = 2.
So, 15t – 2t is not equivalent to 2t – 15t.
Hence the expression 15t – 2t not equivalent to 2t – 15t because the negative sign in 15t – 2t belongs to the term 2t.