Chapter 1: Problem 17
Simplify the given algebraic expressions. $$2-3-(4-5 a)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(5a - 5\).
Step by step solution
01
Remove Parentheses
The first task is to simplify the expression by removing the parentheses. The outer expression is \(2 - 3 - (4 - 5a)\). We start by distributing the negative sign to the terms inside the parenthesis, changing \(4 - 5a\) to \(-4 + 5a\). This leads to the expression: \(2 - 3 - 4 + 5a\).
02
Simplify Constants
After removing parentheses, simplify the constants. Combine \(2, -3, \) and \(-4\). First, compute \(2 - 3 = -1\), then \(-1 - 4 = -5\). This leaves us with \(-5 + 5a\).
03
Final Simplified Expression
Now, arrange the terms to present the fully simplified expression. The constants and variable terms are separated into \(-5\) and \(5a\). The simplified form of the original expression is \(5a - 5\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Expressions
When we talk about simplifying expressions in algebra, we're essentially streamlining a mathematical problem to make it easier to handle. Imagine you're tidying up a messy room; similarly, simplifying involves getting rid of any unnecessary parts and organizing the rest. This process requires a few strategic maneuvers:
- Removing any redundant parentheses
- Utilizing properties like the distributive property
- Combining like terms to merge similar entities together
Removing Parentheses
Parentheses in math serve a lot like packaging—they group certain parts of an equation together. But sometimes, to simplify an expression, these groups need to be undone. To remove parentheses, follow these steps:
- Identify the parentheses in the expression.
- Look out for any operators, like a minus sign, directly before them.
- Apply any necessary changes. For example, if a negative sign precedes the parenthesis, change the signs of all terms inside when you "unpack" it.
Distributive Property
The distributive property is a handy tool in algebra that lets you multiply a number across the terms inside a parenthesis. Generally, this looks like \(a(b + c) = ab + ac\). It allows us to "distribute" a factor across terms inside parentheses:
- Multiply the outer term by each term inside
- After distribution, remove the parentheses
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms is the algebraic version of merging similar items. If you have a stack of like items, you group them together to simplify inventory.
In algebra, terms with the same variable part or constants are combined:
- First, \(2 - 3 = -1\)
- Then, \(-1 - 4 = -5\)
This leaves us with \(-5\), which cannot merge with the \(5a\), because they're not alike. So our final result is the clean and simplified \(5a - 5\).
In algebra, terms with the same variable part or constants are combined:
- Identify the terms that are "like"—meaning they have the same variables and powers
- Add or subtract these like terms as applicable
- First, \(2 - 3 = -1\)
- Then, \(-1 - 4 = -5\)
This leaves us with \(-5\), which cannot merge with the \(5a\), because they're not alike. So our final result is the clean and simplified \(5a - 5\).