Question

combine like terms to create an equivalent expression.
7.4z - 5(-1.6z + 2.4)

Explanation:

Step1: Distribute the -5

Using the distributive property \(a(b + c)=ab+ac\), we have:
\(7.4z-5(-1.6z + 2.4)=7.4z+(-5)\times(-1.6z)+(-5)\times2.4\)
Calculate the products: \((-5)\times(-1.6z) = 8z\) and \((-5)\times2.4=-12\)
So the expression becomes \(7.4z + 8z-12\)

Step2: Combine like terms

The like terms here are \(7.4z\) and \(8z\). Combine them by adding their coefficients:
\(7.4z+8z=(7.4 + 8)z=15.4z\)
So the simplified expression is \(15.4z-12\)

Answer:

\(15.4z - 12\)