SOLUTION: I have to write the phrases in my book as an algebraic expression and simplify if possible. The phrase I am having trouble with is "half a number minus the product of the number a

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Question 677156: I have to write the phrases in my book as an algebraic expression and simplify if possible. The phrase I am having trouble with is "half a number minus the product of the number and eight". I think it means 0.5x-(x*8) which I think simplifies to 0.5x-x*-8= -0.5x*-8. The multiplication in the problem is confusing me though because I am not sure if you actually can simplify the parentheses out with a multiplication problem the same way you do with addition when it is in parentheses. I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly before I risk running into a similar question on the test.
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%281%2F2%29x+-+8x%29 or as you have .5x-8x
...
You could simplify as
x(.5-8)
highlight_green%28-7.5x%29
...
you would not, however, simplify
.5x - 8x as .5x - x(-8)
.5x - x(-8) would be .5x+8x
.....................
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