Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster presents two algebraic expressions to simplify: 4[12-3(8-5)]-1 and 5x-3{2x-2[x-2(1-x)]}. The discussion revolves around the simplification of these expressions, focusing on the order of operations and the handling of parentheses and brackets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the order of operations, with some questioning the arithmetic steps taken in the original poster's attempt. There is a focus on ensuring the correct application of operations within parentheses and brackets.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the order of operations, emphasizing the need to resolve expressions within parentheses first. There appears to be a mix of interpretations regarding the simplification process, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a lack of recent experience with algebra, which may affect their understanding of the simplification process. There is also a mention of the distinction between arithmetic and algebra in the context of the first expression.

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Homework Statement


simplify 4[12-3(8-5)]-1

and simplify 5x-3{2x-2[x-2(1-x)]}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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The attempt at a solution, please.
 


Norway said:
The attempt at a solution, please.

I haven't reviewed any algebra for years so I don't remeber how could this be simplified.

what i tried was

in 4[12-3(8-5)]-1 I just tried to sovle 4[ 9(3)]-1 = 4[27]-1 = 4 [26] = 104
but I guess that's not what i was told to do.
 


The first one is just arithmetic - not algebra.

4[12 - 3(8 - 5)] - 1

Take care of the operations inside of parentheses or brackets first, then multiplications, and finally additions/subtractions.

In particular 12 - 3(8 -5) is not equal to 9(8 - 5).

Keep the same ideas in mind for the second problem.
 

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