Evaluate 8a-b(7+a) with Fractional Values: a=-1/2, b=2/13

Algebraic Substitution with Fractional Values

What will be the result of this algebraic expression:

8ab(7+a) 8a-b(7+a)
if we place

a=12,b=213 a=-\frac{1}{2},b=\frac{2}{13}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Set up and solve
00:03 Substitute appropriate values according to the given data and solve
00:06 Be careful with parentheses
00:16 Positive times negative is always negative
00:30 Always solve parentheses first
00:35 Continue solving according to correct order of operations
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

What will be the result of this algebraic expression:

8ab(7+a) 8a-b(7+a)
if we place

a=12,b=213 a=-\frac{1}{2},b=\frac{2}{13}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the expression and the given values for a a and b b .
  • Step 2: Substitute the given values into the expression.
  • Step 3: Simplify the expression to find the result.

Let's work through the solution:

Given the algebraic expression:
8ab(7+a) 8a - b(7 + a) .

Substitute a=12 a = -\frac{1}{2} and b=213 b = \frac{2}{13} into the expression:

8(12)213(7+(12)) 8(-\frac{1}{2}) - \frac{2}{13}(7 + (-\frac{1}{2})) .

Start by simplifying each part:
8(12)=4 8(-\frac{1}{2}) = -4 .

Then simplify (7+(12)) (7 + (-\frac{1}{2})) :
712=612=132 7 - \frac{1}{2} = 6\frac{1}{2} = \frac{13}{2} .

Now substitute back:
4213×132 -4 - \frac{2}{13} \times \frac{13}{2} .

Simplify the multiplication:
213×132=1 \frac{2}{13} \times \frac{13}{2} = 1 .

Therefore, the expression simplifies to:
41=5 -4 - 1 = -5 .

Thus, the solution to the problem is 5-5.

3

Final Answer

5 -5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order of Operations: Substitute first, then follow PEMDAS carefully
  • Technique: Simplify 7+(12)=132 7 + (-\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{13}{2} before multiplying
  • Check: Verify 213×132=1 \frac{2}{13} \times \frac{13}{2} = 1 cancels correctly ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions incorrectly when substituting
    Don't add 7+(12) 7 + (-\frac{1}{2}) as 72 \frac{7}{2} = wrong answer! This ignores the conversion to common denominators. Always convert whole numbers to fractions: 7=142 7 = \frac{14}{2} , then subtract.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the algebraic expression \( 5x-6 \) given that \( x=0 \).

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert 7 to a fraction when adding with -1/2?

+

To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator. Convert 7 to 142 \frac{14}{2} so you can compute 14212=132 \frac{14}{2} - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{13}{2} correctly.

How do I know when fractions will cancel out completely?

+

Look for reciprocals! When you multiply 213×132 \frac{2}{13} \times \frac{13}{2} , the numerator of one becomes the denominator of the other, giving you 1.

Should I convert everything to decimals instead?

+

For exact answers, keep fractions! Converting 12 -\frac{1}{2} to -0.5 might introduce rounding errors. Fractions give precise results.

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

+

Take it step by step! Write 8(12)=4 8(-\frac{1}{2}) = -4 first, then handle the second part separately. Keep track of each negative sign as you substitute.

How can I check if -5 is really the right answer?

+

Substitute back into the original expression: 8(12)213(7+(12)) 8(-\frac{1}{2}) - \frac{2}{13}(7 + (-\frac{1}{2})) . If you get -5, you're correct!

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