Select the verbal phrase that corresponds with the given expression.

5(x + y)

Question

Select the verbal phrase that corresponds with the given expression. 

5(x + y)

anonymous · Answer

Five times the quantity x plus y.

ja1 · Answer

Please don't give answers, guide the user.

anonymous · Answer

How should I guide the user through a question such as this?

ja1 · Answer

Well you may know how to do this, the user does not,so simply ask him questions and involve him in the learning process, tell him why you got that, tell him how you are supposed to set it up etc...

anonymous · Answer

I can understand doing so but it's rather difficult for a question of this kind.  However I will try:
To express an expression verbally it is good to avoid ambiguity (confusion), so that two different expressions are not mixed up (such as 5x+y and 5(x+y)).
For parantheses, there is a convention to use the term 'quantity'.  For example, (x+5) could be read as "The quantity x+5"
For your question, it would be five times the quantity x+y, as that means 5*(x+y).

ja1 · Answer

Thank you for being understanding :) I know this was a very simple question, but at least to involve the user is all it takes, the reason OpenStudy is so wonderful is that we actually make it fun and understandable for users to learn :)