Question

The negative sign in 15t-2t belongs to the term____?

Answer 1

The expression 15t – 2t not equivalent to 2t – 15t because the negative sign in 15t – 2t belongs to the term 2t.

Solution:

Given expressions are 15t – 2t and 2t – 15t.

To determine 15t – 2t is equivalent to 2t – 15t or not.

Substitute t = 2 in above two expressions.

15t – 2t = 15(2) – 2(2)

            = 30 – 4

            = 26

2t – 15t = 2(2) – 15(2)

            = 4 – 30

            = –26

The values of the expressions are different when t = 2.

So, 15t – 2t is not equivalent to 2t – 15t.

Hence the expression 15t – 2t not equivalent to 2t – 15t because the negative sign in 15t – 2t belongs to the term 2t.