Question

Ann wrote the following steps to simplify the expression (−y + 3y + 2x).

Step 1: −2x + y + 3y; using commutative property of addition
Step 2: −2x + (y + 3y); using associative property of addition
Step 3: −2x + (1 + 3)y; using distributive property of addition
Step 4: −2x + (4)y; simplifying

Answer 1

Which step was incorrect, and what should be the correct step that Ann should use?

Step 2 was incorrect. Correct step: −2x − (y − 3y); using associative property of addition

Step 1 was incorrect. Correct step: 2x + y − 3y; using commutative property of addition

Step 1 was incorrect. Correct step:

Answer 2

−2x + (y − 3y); using associative property of addition

Answer 3

Step 1 is incorrect since the commutative property of addition allows you to swap terms (but not signs)


Unfortunately none of the answers match the original expression −y + 3y + 2x, so there has to be a typo somewhere.

Answer 4

Which step was incorrect, and what should be the correct step that Ann should use?

Step 2 was incorrect. Correct step: −2x − (y − 3y); using associative property of addition

Step 1 was incorrect. Correct step: 2x + y − 3y; using commutative property of addition

Step 1 was incorrect. Correct step: 2x +3y − y; using commutative property of addition

Step 2 was incorrect. Correct step: −2x + (y − 3y); using associative property of addition

Answer 5

third option

Answer 6

Yes, using the commutative property of addition, we can swap terms to get what we see in choice C

Answer 7

Thank you both

Answer 8

you're welcome

Answer 9

welcome, but jim_thompson did all the work