Question

How do you solve `\frac { 2} { 3} ( - 7) + \frac { 2} { 3} ( - 5)`?

Answer 1

`-8`

Explanation:

The first step is to evaluate the multiplications on either side of the + sign.

`2/3xx(-7)/1=(2xx-7)/(3xx1)=(-14)/3`

and `2/3xx(-5)/1=(2xx-5)/(3xx1)=(-10)/3`

So now we have `(-14)/3+(-10)/3`

Since the fractions have common denominators , we can add the numerators directly.

`rArr(-14+(-10))/3=(-14-10)/3=(-24)/3=-8`

Alternatively, if you are familiar with `color(blue)"common factor"` then there is a common factor of `2/3` in both terms.

`rArr2/3(-7+(-5))=2/3(-7-5)=2/3(-12)`

Evaluating gives.

`2/3xx(-12)/1=(-24)/3=-8`