How do you add #3.1b + 2.6b#?

1 Answer
Sep 9, 2017

#5.7 b#

Explanation:

Before we start solving I will introduce you to (remind you of) one of the basic factorization methods:

  • #ax+ay=a(x+y)#

#ax+ay=a*x+a*y# Since both terms are multiplied by #a#

To do this, you first have to factorize the equation, by taking common factor of the two terms, which in the case of your example is b. Since both terms are multiplied by #b#

#3.1b+2.6b=3.1*b+2.6*b#

Now that we found a common factor, we apply the factorization method mentioned above,

#3.1*b+2.6*b=b(3.1+2.6)#

Now we can add 3.1 and 2.6 since they are between parenthesis:
#b(3.1+2.6)=b(5.7)=5.7b#