algebra is so confusing

1/8 (b - a) for a = 2 and b = 10

So is it

1/8 (b - a) =
1/8 (2 - 10)=
1/8 (-8) = -100?

1/8 (10-2)

= 1/8 (8)
= 8/8
=1

Thanks James

No, your final answer is incorrect. Let me explain how to correctly evaluate the expression 1/8 (b - a) when a = 2 and b = 10.

To evaluate the expression 1/8 (b - a), we substitute the values of a = 2 and b = 10 into the expression:

1/8 (10 - 2)

First, we simplify the expression inside the parentheses:

1/8 (8)

Next, we divide 8 by 8:

1/8 * 1 = 1/8

So the value of 1/8 (b - a) when a = 2 and b = 10 is 1/8. Therefore, your final answer should be 1/8, not -100.

Algebra can be confusing, but taking it step by step can make it more manageable. In this case, substituting the values of a and b and simplifying the expression through calculations led to the correct answer.