If I have 12 / 2(x+3) that is the same as saying 12/2 * (x+3) or 6(x+3), right?
Yes, if you meant to write (12/2)(x+3).
But, if you meant 12/[2(x-3)], the answer is no.
Your algebraic expression is ambiguous without additional parentheses or brackets.
well it is 12 all over 2(x+3)
Then the result is 6/(x-3)
im guesting it is 12/2 =6 and 6(x+3)=6*x=6xand6*3=18 so there will be 6x+18 do have to lose the x
so the two cancels out and the 6 goes on top?
12/[2(x-3)] = 6/(x-3)
Yes, a 12/2 = 6 cancellation takes place.
To determine if 12 / 2(x+3) is the same as 12/2 * (x+3) or 6(x+3), we need to apply the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS.
1. Parentheses: In this case, there are parentheses in both expressions, so we need to simplify what's inside the parentheses first.
12 / 2(x+3) = 12 / (2x + 6)
12/2 * (x+3) = 6 * (x + 3)
2. Division: Next, we perform any division operations.
12 / (2x + 6) = 6 / (x + 3)
6 * (x + 3) = 6x + 18
By following the order of operations, we can see that 12 / 2(x+3) simplifies to 6 / (x+3), not 6(x+3). Therefore, the statement 12 / 2(x+3) is not the same as 12/2 * (x+3) or 6(x+3).