Segment Addition and Subtraction

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 90 views

If $PR = 4x - 2$ and $RS = 3x - 5$ , which expression represents $PS$ ?

Understanding the Problem

In this problem, we are given two expressions representing the lengths of segments $PR$ and $RS$ . We are asked to find the expression that represents the length of segment $PS$ . To do this, we need to use the concept of segment addition and subtraction.

Segment Addition and Subtraction

When we add or subtract segments, we are essentially combining or separating the lengths of those segments. In this case, we can use the fact that $PS = PR + RS$ to find the expression that represents $PS$ .

Finding the Expression for $PS$

To find the expression for $PS$ , we can start by adding the expressions for $PR$ and $RS$ . We have:

PR = 4x - 2

RS = 3x - 5

Adding these two expressions, we get:

PS = PR + RS = (4x - 2) + (3x - 5)

Using the distributive property, we can combine like terms:

PS = 4x + 3x - 2 - 5

Simplifying the expression, we get:

PS = 7x - 7

Evaluating the Answer Choices

Now that we have found the expression for $PS$ , we can evaluate the answer choices to see which one matches our result.

A. $x - 7$

B. $x - 3$

C. $7x - 7$

D. $7x + 3$

Comparing our result to the answer choices, we see that:

C. $7x - 7$

is the correct expression for $PS$ .

Conclusion

In this problem, we used the concept of segment addition and subtraction to find the expression that represents the length of segment $PS$ . We started by adding the expressions for $PR$ and $RS$ , and then simplified the result to get the final expression for $PS$ . Our result matches answer choice C, which is the correct expression for $PS$ .

Key Takeaways

When adding or subtracting segments, we can use the concept of segment addition and subtraction.
We can use the distributive property to combine like terms when adding or subtracting expressions.
When simplifying expressions, we can combine like terms and eliminate any negative signs.

Practice Problems

If $AB = 2x + 3$ and $BC = x - 2$ , which expression represents $AC$ ?
If $CD = 5x - 1$ and $DE = 3x + 2$ , which expression represents $CE$ ?

Solutions

A. $3x + 1$
B. $8x + 1$

Additional Resources

For more practice problems and solutions, visit our website at [insert website URL].
For additional resources and study tips, visit our blog at [insert blog URL].
Q&A: Segment Addition and Subtraction

Understanding Segment Addition and Subtraction

In our previous article, we discussed how to use segment addition and subtraction to find the expression that represents the length of a segment. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about segment addition and subtraction.

Q: What is segment addition and subtraction?

A: Segment addition and subtraction are mathematical operations that involve combining or separating the lengths of segments. When we add segments, we are essentially combining their lengths, while when we subtract segments, we are separating their lengths.

Q: How do I use segment addition and subtraction to find the expression that represents the length of a segment?

A: To use segment addition and subtraction, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the segments you want to add or subtract.
Write the expressions for each segment.
Add or subtract the expressions using the distributive property.
Simplify the result to get the final expression.

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a mathematical rule that allows us to multiply a single term by multiple terms. In the context of segment addition and subtraction, the distributive property allows us to combine like terms when adding or subtracting expressions.

Q: How do I simplify an expression?

A: To simplify an expression, you need to combine like terms and eliminate any negative signs. For example, if you have the expression $2x + 3x$ , you can combine the like terms to get $5x$ .

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using segment addition and subtraction?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using segment addition and subtraction include:

Not using the distributive property when adding or subtracting expressions.
Not simplifying the result to get the final expression.
Not combining like terms when adding or subtracting expressions.

Q: How can I practice segment addition and subtraction?

A: You can practice segment addition and subtraction by working on practice problems and exercises. You can also try using real-world examples to apply the concept of segment addition and subtraction.

Q: What are some real-world applications of segment addition and subtraction?

A: Segment addition and subtraction have many real-world applications, including:

Architecture: When designing buildings, architects need to use segment addition and subtraction to calculate the lengths of walls, floors, and ceilings.
Engineering: Engineers use segment addition and subtraction to calculate the lengths of pipes, wires, and other components.
Physics: Physicists use segment addition and subtraction to calculate the lengths of objects in motion.

Q: How can I use segment addition and subtraction to solve problems in mathematics?

A: You can use segment addition and subtraction to solve problems in mathematics by applying the concept to different types of problems, such as:

Finding the length of a segment given the lengths of two other segments.
Finding the length of a segment given the lengths of multiple other segments.
Solving equations involving segments.