Kit Y.
asked • 02/03/13how to simplify (a+5)-5
do I use -5 outside the parenthesis to multiply each value inside the parenthesis?
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2 Answers By Expert Tutors
Luke B. answered • 02/03/13
Tutor
4.9
(90)
fun + learning = inevitable progress
The way it is written you should simplify to:
a + 5 - 5, which equals a. The parenthesis are not necessary for this problem, but if you follow normal order of operations rules (parens first, then exponents, then multiply/divide, then add/subtract), you would also end up with a for the answer.
If it was written:
-5(a + 5), then that would simplify to -5a - 25
Kevin S. answered • 02/03/13
Tutor
5
(4)
No. Lisa's solution is incorrect.
If it was (-5)(a+5) or (a+5)(-5), then you would multiply.
As written, (a+5)-5 is the same as a+5-5 = a.
Kit Y.
Kevin,
I think you're right. I feel bad now for doubting my son's answer was also an a as well. Thank you for the answer.
A doubtful mom
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02/03/13
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Lisa P.
(a+5)-5
distribute -5 to a and 5 in parenthesis.
-5a-25
02/03/13