Question

write an expression that is equivalent to 3.5a - 1 - 1.5a + 4. 3.5a - 1 - 1.5a + 4 = ？a + ？

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms for \(a\)

We have \(3.5a - 1.5a\). Using the distributive property \(ac+bc=(a + b)c\) (here \(c = a\), \(a=3.5\), \(b=- 1.5\)), we get \((3.5-1.5)a\). Calculating \(3.5 - 1.5=2\), so the coefficient of \(a\) is \(2\).

Step2: Combine constant terms

We have \(-1 + 4\). Calculating \(-1+4 = 3\).

Answer:

\(3.5a-1 - 1.5a + 4=\boldsymbol{2}a+\boldsymbol{3}\)