Write the following as an algebraic expression.
negative three times the value of $x$ increased by 5.

• A. $-15x$
• B. $3x+5$
• C. $15x$
• D. $-3x+5$

Answer: (D)

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 5/2.
2. Write the numerator as \(-4\).
3. Write the denominator as the sum of \(a\) and \(\frac{5}{2}\), which is \(\left(a + \frac{5}{2}\right)\).
4. Combine the numerator and denominator into a single fraction to represent division: \(\frac{-4}{\left(a + \frac{5}{2}\right)}\).
5. This fraction correctly represents "negative four divided by the sum of a and five halves."