Question

Two groups of campers, Group A and Group B, hiked two different routes from their campsite to a waterfall. Group A hiked through Vista Point to reach the waterfall. Group B hiked directly to the waterfall. The figure shows the distances they hiked. (uploading picture)

Which simplified expression can be used to find the difference in the number of miles hiked by the two groups?

Answer 1

we'll make A the number of miles group A walked
B is the number of miles group B walked

A - B = difference

A = (x-1) + (2x+5)

B = (x+3)

A - B = difference

((x-1)+(2x+5)) - (x-3) = difference

simplify that and you have your answer

Answer 2

does that make sense?

Answer 3

Yeah, but I'm not too great at simplifying. Which do I do first? The x's?

Answer 4

you could do either, just add/subtract the coefficients of the x's

Answer 5

so x +2x - x would be 2x

and for the numbers you have -1+5 - (-3), so you have 7

2x+7 is the difference

Answer 6

2x + 1?

Answer 7

remember, you're subtracting a negative 3, so you would add 3

Answer 8

2x+7 is the answer i got

Answer 9

Oh, ok, thanks!

Answer 10

you're welcome!

Answer 11

was 2x+7 right