Test whether \(x-(y-z)=x-y+z\) is true for each set of values. Complete the table by evaluating both sides.
<table> <tr><td>\(x\)</td><td>\(20\)</td><td>\(4\)</td><td>\(0.7\)</td><td>\(\frac{5}{6}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>\(y\)</td><td>\(8\)</td><td>\(9\)</td><td>\(1.2\)</td><td>\(\frac{1}{3}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>\(z\)</td><td>\(5\)</td><td>\(2\)</td><td>\(0.5\)</td><td>\(\frac{1}{2}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Left side</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> <tr><td>Right side</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> </table>
Hints
- Evaluate the expression inside parentheses first.
- Substitute the same values into both sides.
- Use common denominators for the fractional values.
Solution
1. For \((x,y,z)=(20,8,5)\), the left side is \(20-(8-5)=17\), and the right side is \(20-8+5=17\).
2. For \((x,y,z)=(4,9,2)\), the left side is \(4-(9-2)=-3\), and the right side is \(4-9+2=-3\).
3. For \((x,y,z)=(0.7,1.2,0.5)\), the left side is \(0.7-(1.2-0.5)=0\), and the right side is \(0.7-1.2+0.5=0\).
4. For \((x,y,z)=\left(\frac{5}{6},\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{2}\right)\), both sides equal \(1\).
5. The two sides are equal for every listed set of values.
Answer
<table> <tr><td>\(x\)</td><td>\(20\)</td><td>\(4\)</td><td>\(0.7\)</td><td>\(\frac{5}{6}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>\(y\)</td><td>\(8\)</td><td>\(9\)</td><td>\(1.2\)</td><td>\(\frac{1}{3}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>\(z\)</td><td>\(5\)</td><td>\(2\)</td><td>\(0.5\)</td><td>\(\frac{1}{2}\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Left side</td><td>\(17\)</td><td>\(-3\)</td><td>\(0\)</td><td>\(1\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Right side</td><td>\(17\)</td><td>\(-3\)</td><td>\(0\)</td><td>\(1\)</td></tr> </table>
The equation is true for all four sets of values.