Simplify each expression. -1/2(4-6a) Justify each step.

Question

Simplify each expression.

Answer 1

-1/2(4 - 6a)    ---> let's distribute the -1/2 through the parenthesis to get:

 

 -2 + 3a   --> this result is the same as if we divided the expression in parenthesis by 2, which is what it means to multiply by "half". Remember to obey the rules for multiplying with a negative sign. 

 

-1/2 * 4 = -2      Negative * Positive = negative

 

-1/2 * -6a = 3a   Negative * negative = positive

 

we could also write this as 3a -2 if we want to lead with the variable term.