Which expression is equivalent to 5.4t + 6.7 + 1.8t – 4.3
A 9.6t
B 9.6
C 3.6t + 11
D 7.2t + 2.4
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. 7.2t + 2.4.
Explanation:
Let’s break down the given expression:
5.4t + 6.7 + 1.8t – 4.3
First, group like terms. Like terms are terms that contain the same variable or constant. In this case, the terms with the variable t are 5.4t and 1.8t, and the constant terms are 6.7 and -4.3.
- Combine the t terms:
5.4t + 1.8t = 7.2t - Combine the constant terms:
6.7 – 4.3 = 2.4
Now, rewrite the expression with the simplified terms:
7.2t + 2.4
Thus, the equivalent expression is 7.2t + 2.4, which matches option D.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- Option A (9.6t): This is incorrect because the t terms (5.4t and 1.8t) add up to 7.2t, not 9.6t.
- Option B (9.6): This is incorrect because it does not account for the t variable in the original expression. The expression contains a variable term, so the answer must reflect that.
- Option C (3.6t + 11): This is incorrect because neither the t terms nor the constant terms add up to 3.6t and 11. The correct t term is 7.2t and the constant term is 2.4.
Thus, D. 7.2t + 2.4 is the only correct choice.