Question

review u6, l4 for secure test browser 2/6
score: 16/18 answered: 16/18
question 12
given the expression \\((4b - 5)+(b - 4)\\)
first, rewrite the expression using the distributive property creating an equivalent expression without parentheses.
next, simplify your expression as completely as possible (by adding like expressions).

Explanation:

Step1: Apply distributive property

The expression has a positive sign outside each parenthesis, so we can remove parentheses by distributing the positive sign:
$4b - 5 + b - 4$

Step2: Combine like terms (variable $b$)

Group and add the terms with $b$:
$4b + b = 5b$

Step3: Combine constant terms

Group and add the constant terms:
$-5 - 4 = -9$

Step4: Combine simplified terms

Put the simplified variable and constant terms together:
$5b - 9$

Answer:

First blank (no parentheses): $4b - 5 + b - 4$
Final simplified expression: $5b - 9$