Beginning Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice
Problems
on Properties of Real Numbers
 Answer/Discussion
to 1a
xy
Using the commutative property of multiplication (where changing the
order of a product does not change the value of it), we get
xy = yx
(return to
problem 1a) |
| Answer/Discussion
to 1b
.1 + 3x
Using the commutative property of addition (where changing the order
of a sum does not change the value of it), we get
.1 + 3x = 3x
+ .1
(return to
problem 1b) |
| Answer/Discussion
to 2a
(a + b) + 1.5
Using the associative property of addition (where changing the grouping
of a sum does not change the value of it), we get
(a + b) +
1.5 = a + (b +
1.5)
(return to
problem 2a) |
| Answer/Discussion
to 2b
5(xy)
Using the associative property of multiplication (where changing the
grouping of a product does not change the value of it), we get
5(xy) = (5x)y
(return to problem
2b) |
| Answer/Discussion
to 3a
-2(x - 5) |
 |
*Distribute -2 to EVERY term
*Multiply |
| Answer/Discussion
to 3b
7(5a + 4b
+ 3c) |
 |
*Distribute 7 to EVERY term
*Multiply |
| Answer/Discussion
to 4a
-7
The opposite of -7 is 7, since -7 + 7 = 0.
The reciprocal of -7 is -1/7, since -7(-1/7) = 1.
(return to
problem 4a) |
| Answer/Discussion
to 4b
3/5
The opposite of 3/5 is -3/5, since 3/5 + (-3/5) = 0.
The reciprocal of 3/5 is 5/3, since (3/5)(5/3) = 1.
(return to
problem 4b) |
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Last revised on Jan. 8, 2002 by Kim Seward. |
