Chapter 1: Problem 73
PREREQUISITE SKILL Evaluate each expression if \(a=2, b=-\frac{3}{4},\) and \(c=1.8 .(\text { lesson } 1-1)\) $$ \frac{2}{5} b+1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression evaluates to \( \frac{7}{10} \).
Step by step solution
01
Substitute the Given Values
We are given the expression \( \frac{2}{5} b + 1 \). Substitute \(b = -\frac{3}{4}\) into the expression. The expression becomes \( \frac{2}{5} \left(-\frac{3}{4}\right) + 1 \).
02
Simplify the Multiplication
Multiply \( \frac{2}{5} \) by \( -\frac{3}{4} \). This is done by multiplying the numerators and denominators separately: \[ \frac{2 \cdot (-3)}{5 \cdot 4} = \frac{-6}{20}. \] Simplify \( \frac{-6}{20} \) by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2, giving \( \frac{-3}{10} \).
03
Add to the Constant Term
Add \( \frac{-3}{10} \) to \( 1 \). To do this, convert 1 into a fraction with a denominator of 10: \( 1 = \frac{10}{10} \). Now add the fractions: \[ \frac{10}{10} + \frac{-3}{10} = \frac{10 - 3}{10} = \frac{7}{10}. \]
04
Write the Final Answer
The simplified value of the expression \( \frac{2}{5} b + 1 \) when \( b = -\frac{3}{4} \) is \( \frac{7}{10} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution
Substitution is a fundamental concept used in mathematics to replace variables with known values. This allows you to evaluate expressions easily. In our exercise, we see an expression that involves the variable \( b \). The first step requires substituting \( b \) with the given value of \(-\frac{3}{4}\). Here’s how it works:
- Identify the variable: In this case, the variable is \( b \).
- Find the given value of the variable: \( b = -\frac{3}{4}\).
- Replace the variable with its value in the expression: \( \frac{2}{5} b + 1 \) becomes \( \frac{2}{5}(-\frac{3}{4}) + 1 \).
Fraction Multiplication
When multiplying fractions, you perform the operation differently than when multiplying whole numbers. Each fraction consists of a numerator and a denominator, and both are critical in multiplication. To multiply two fractions, follow these steps:
- Multiply the numerators: In our example, you have \( \frac{2}{5} \) and \( -\frac{3}{4} \). Multiply the numerators \( 2 \) and \(-3 \), resulting in \(-6\).
- Multiply the denominators: Multiply the denominators \( 5 \) and \( 4 \), resulting in \(20\).
- Combine your results: The resultant fraction is \( \frac{-6}{20} \).
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions involves reducing them to their simplest form, making them easier to understand and compare. The fraction \( \frac{-6}{20} \) can be simplified using this method:- Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator; in this case, the GCD is \(2\).- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD: Divide \(-6\) and \(20\) by \(2\). Result: \(\frac{-3}{10}\). Simplification reduces fractions to their most basic terms, revealing their true proportions or values in the simplest form. It’s a key part of ensuring mathematical expressions remain clean and intuitive.
Addition of Fractions
Adding fractions, especially when they have different denominators, requires a bit of work to make them compatible. This is done by converting each fraction to have a common denominator. Here's how:- Find a common denominator: In the expression \( \frac{-3}{10} \) and \( 1 \), converting \(1\) into a fraction with a denominator of \(10\) results in \( \frac{10}{10} \).- Add the fractions: Simply add the numerators \(10\) and \(-3\) while keeping the common denominator, leading to \( 7/10\).Remember:
- Fractions add directly across the numerators when their denominators match.
- Ensure simplified forms for clarity and ease in interpretation.