Question

How do you evaluate the expression `(a+5) - b/(b-4) + (2(b+3))/a` for `a=2` and `b=3`?

Answer 1

See a solution process beow:

Explanation:

To evaluate this expression for `a = 2` and `b = 3` substitute `color(red)(2)` for each `color(red)(a)` in the expression. And, substitute `color(blue)(3)` for each `color(blue)(b)` in the expression:

`(color(red)(a) + 5) - color(blue)(b)/(color(blue)(b) - 4) + (2(color(blue)(b) + 3))/color(red)(a)` becomes:

`(color(red)(2) + 5) - color(blue)(3)/(color(blue)(3) - 4) + (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))(color(blue)(3) + 3))/cancel(color(red)(2)) =>`

`7 - color(blue)(3)/-1 + 6 =>`

`7 + 3 + 6 =>`

`16`