Math Problem Statement

Select all the expressions that are equivalent to (-6x - 4) / 2.

Solution

Let's analyze the given expression and options. We are asked to find all expressions equivalent to:

6x42\frac{-6x - 4}{2}

Step 1: Simplify the given expression

We can simplify the expression by dividing both terms in the numerator by 2:

6x42=6x2+42=3x2\frac{-6x - 4}{2} = \frac{-6x}{2} + \frac{-4}{2} = -3x - 2

So the simplified expression is 3x2-3x - 2.

Step 2: Analyze the options

  • Option A: 3x2-3x - 2
    This is exactly the simplified form, so Option A is correct.

  • Option B: 3x+23x + 2
    This is not equivalent to 3x2-3x - 2, so Option B is incorrect.

  • Option C: 6x+42\frac{6x + 4}{2}
    Simplifying this expression gives: 6x+42=3x+2\frac{6x + 4}{2} = 3x + 2 This is equivalent to Option B, which is incorrect, so Option C is also incorrect.

  • Option D: 12(6x+4)\frac{1}{2}(6x + 4)
    Simplifying this expression: 12(6x+4)=3x+2\frac{1}{2}(6x + 4) = 3x + 2 This is equivalent to 3x+23x + 2, so Option D is incorrect.

  • Option E: 12(3x2)\frac{1}{2}(-3x - 2)
    Simplifying this expression: 12(3x2)=3x21\frac{1}{2}(-3x - 2) = -\frac{3x}{2} - 1 This is not equivalent to 3x2-3x - 2, so Option E is incorrect.

Conclusion:

The only correct answer is Option A.


Would you like more details on any of the steps? Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How do you distribute a fraction over an expression in parentheses?
  2. Why isn't 12(3x2)\frac{1}{2}(-3x - 2) equivalent to 3x2-3x - 2?
  3. How can you check if two expressions are equivalent?
  4. What other methods can be used to simplify algebraic fractions?
  5. How does factoring affect the equivalence of algebraic expressions?

Tip: Always simplify both the numerator and denominator separately before dividing when simplifying fractions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplification
Distributive Property

Formulas

Distribute fractions over expressions: a(b + c) = ab + ac
Simplification: (-6x - 4) / 2 = (-6x)/2 + (-4)/2

Theorems

Distributive Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10