# SAT/ACT problem of the week, January 26, 2017 solution

Hint for process of elimination: Taking test values such as $a=3$ and $b=5$ and carefully using order of operations will help you eliminate most or all answers. If your own choice of values of $a$ and $b$ do not eliminate all choices, making a second choice (or in very extreme cases even a third choice) will finish off all remaining incorrect answers.

Another hint is, variables are never being multiplied with other variables, this eliminates choices D and E. Also, there is nothing in the original expression which can combine with and eliminate the number 2 from the expression. This eliminates choices A and C, leaving you with the correct answer, B.

Read on for a full solution.

# SAT/ACT problem of the week, January 26, 2017

Which of the following is equal to $5a + 3b -(5b -2)$?

1. $5a$ (check answer)
2. $5a - 2b +2$ (check answer)
3. $5a - 10b$ (check answer)
4. $5a - 15b^2 - 6b$ (check answer)
5. $8ab - 5b + 2$ (check answer)

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# SAT problem of the week, January 26, 2015 solution

Hint for process of elimination: Taking test values such as $a=3$ and $b=5$ and carefully using order of operations will help you eliminate most or all answers. If your own choice of values of $a$ and $b$ do not eliminate all choices, making a second choice (or in very extreme cases even a third choice) will finish off all remaining incorrect answers.

Another hint is, variables are never being multiplied with other variables, this eliminates choices D and E. Also, there is nothing in the original expression which can combine with and eliminate the number 2 from the expression. This eliminates choices A and C, leaving you with the correct answer, B.

Read on for a full solution.

Which of the following is equal to $5a + 3b -(5b -2)$?
1. $5a$ (check answer)
2. $5a - 2b +2$ (check answer)
3. $5a - 10b$ (check answer)
4. $5a - 15b^2 - 6b$ (check answer)
5. $8ab - 5b + 2$ (check answer)