Simplifying the Expression: (2/3t - 6 + 3/4t) - (5/8t + 12)
This article will walk you through the process of simplifying the given algebraic expression: (2/3t - 6 + 3/4t) - (5/8t + 12).
Step 1: Combining Like Terms within Parentheses
First, we need to combine the terms with 't' within the first set of parentheses.
- (2/3t + 3/4t) - 6
To combine these terms, we need a common denominator for 3 and 4, which is 12.
- (8/12t + 9/12t) - 6
- (17/12t) - 6
Now our expression becomes: (17/12t - 6) - (5/8t + 12)
Step 2: Distributing the Negative Sign
We need to distribute the negative sign in front of the second set of parentheses. This means we multiply each term inside the parentheses by -1.
- (17/12t - 6) + (-1 * 5/8t) + (-1 * 12)
- (17/12t - 6) - 5/8t - 12
Step 3: Combining Like Terms
Now we can combine the terms with 't' and the constant terms.
- (17/12t - 5/8t) + (-6 - 12)
To combine the 't' terms, we need a common denominator for 12 and 8, which is 24.
- (34/24t - 15/24t) - 18
- (19/24t) - 18
Final Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2/3t - 6 + 3/4t) - (5/8t + 12) is (19/24t - 18).