Write the following as an algebraic expression.
negative four divided by the sum of $a$ and $\frac{5}{2}$

• A. $\frac{-4}{(a+\frac{5}{2})}$
• B. $\frac{a+\frac{5}{2}}{-4}$
• C. $\frac{-4}{a}+\frac{5}{2}$
• D. $-4(a+\frac{5}{2})$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the phrase "negative four divided by the sum of a and five halves." This means the numerator is -4 and the denominator is the sum of a and \(\frac{5}{2}\).
2. Write the sum in the denominator as an algebraic expression: \(\left\)(a + \(\frac{5}{2}\)\(\right\)).
3. Express the division as a fraction with -4 as the numerator and the sum as the denominator: \(\frac{-4}{\left(a + \frac{5}{2}\)\(\right\))}.
4. Make sure to include parentheses around the denominator to indicate the entire sum is in the denominator.
5. Review the expression to confirm it matches the verbal description: negative four divided by the quantity a plus five halves.