Asked by Brooke

Greta says that the expression (2xa)+5 is the same as 2x(a+5). Is she correct?Why or why not?

Answered by Ms. Sue
(2xa)+5 = 2a + 5

2x(a+5) = 2a + 10

Answered by Brooke
I don't understand.Can you please explain it to me?
Answered by Ms. Sue
I worked the problems just as you posted them. Obviously they have different answers.

Answered by Brooke
I'm just making sure that you knew I meant the x was multiplication.I don't understand why the a is not represented with a number.I was thinking that I would have to find what a equals.Thank you for helping me.
Answered by Ms. Sue
Yes, I know you meant x to mean multiplication. We use * for multiplication, though.

We can't find the value of a because you haven't presented any equations. There were no equal signs after your expressions.

Answered by Brooke
Thank you.I didn't know * was multiplication.So, would I explain she is not correct because?I don't know how to answer the why part.I knew they would be different I just don't understand why.
Answered by Ms. Sue
She is not correct because the parentheses are placed differently in each problem.

Learn about the order of operations at this site.

http://www.mathsisfun.com/operation-order-pemdas.html
Answered by Brooke
Thank you so much!
Answered by Ms. Sue
You're very welcome.

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