How do I simplify this expression?

Y

yourstrulytessa

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Mar 15, 2009
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I have NO idea how to do this. Can someone explain it to me step by step? What does the twelve do in this expression? I can't figure it out. Thanks so much!

12(-1/3x-1/4y)
 


Hi:

12 is a factor. The expression in the parentheses is another factor. To multiply these two factors together, use the Distributive Property.

What is not clear to me are the ratios.

In the first ratio, is the x in the numerator or denominator?

(-1/3)x OR -1/(3x) ?

In the second ratio, is the y in the numerator or denominator?

(1/4)y OR 1/(4y) ?

It makes a big difference, so please use grouping symbols to clearly show these ratios.

Aladdin is correct by showing that you can write the natural number 12 in rational form 12/1, so that when you apply the Distributive Property, you are multiplying ratios times ratios. That's numerator times numerator all over denominator times denominator, for each of the two multiplications.

The simplified result cannot be -7x, however; I think Aladdin accidently read the y variable as x.

Please clarify which of the following is correct.

12[(-1/3)x - (1/4)y]

12[-1/(3x) - 1/(4y)]

Cheers 8-)

 
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