Are 5(a + 1) and 5a + 5 equivalent

Step by step

The question

Question: are 5(a + 1) and 5a + 5 equivalent?

Equivalent means: the two are equal, whatever number the letter is.

First we simplify the first one: 5(a + 1).

We write it shorter, with the same value.

1 Open the brackets

The 5 in front of the bracket multiplies every part inside.

So we write 5 times each part.

5 times a is 5a.

5 times 1 is 5.

2 Compare

Now both are 5a + 5.

The same terms.

So yes: they are equivalent.

3 Check

Let's check with a number: a = 2.

The first gives 15.

The second gives 15.

The same.

So the answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: open the brackets.

Then: compare.

Last: check.