Question

How do you simplify `-1/2(7z+4)+1/5(5z-16)`?

Answer 1

`(-5/2)z - 26/5`

Explanation:

To simplify this expression you must first expand the terms in the parenthesis:

`(-7/2)x - (4/2) + (5/5)z - (16/5)`

`(-7/2)z - 2 + z - (16/5)`

Then combine like terms by getting common denominators:

`(-7/2)z + (2/2)z - (10/5) - (16/5)`

`(-5/2)z - 26/5`