Question

which expression is equivalent to 3.5b + 4.5 + 0.5b - 0.5 - 1.5b?

A. 5.5b - 5

b. 5.5b + 4

c. 2.5b - 5

d. 2.5b + 4

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( 3.5b + 4.5 + 0.5b - 0.5 - 1.5b \), we can combine like terms.

1. Combine the \( b \) terms:
\[
3.5b + 0.5b - 1.5b = (3.5 + 0.5 - 1.5)b = 2.5b
\]

2. Combine the constant terms:
\[
4.5 - 0.5 = 4
\]

Putting it all together, the simplified expression is:
\[
2.5b + 4
\]

Thus, the equivalent expression is:
**d. 2.5b + 4**.