Let's simplify the expression $-0.5(x + 5) - 1.5(x + 5)$.

1. First, factor out the common term $(x + 5)$:

$-0.5(x + 5) - 1.5(x + 5) = (-0.5 - 1.5)(x + 5)$

2. Simplify the coefficients:

$-0.5 - 1.5 = -2.0$

3. Multiply the simplified coefficient by the common factor:

$-2.0(x + 5) = -2(x + 5)$

So, the simplified expression is:

$-2(x + 5) = -2x - 10$

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

1. How do you factor out common terms in more complex expressions?
2. What is the distributive property and how is it used in simplification?
3. How do you solve equations that involve negative coefficients?
4. What happens when you factor out a negative term?
5. How do you simplify expressions with multiple variable terms?

Tip: Always combine like terms before simplifying further to avoid errors.