Sure! Let's evaluate the expression [tex]\( ab - 0.5b \)[/tex] step by step, given that [tex]\( a = 1 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b = 5 \)[/tex].
1. Start by substituting the values of [tex]\( a \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b \)[/tex] into the expression:
[tex]\[
ab - 0.5b = 1 \cdot 5 - 0.5 \cdot 5
\][/tex]
2. First, multiply [tex]\( a \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
1 \cdot 5 = 5
\][/tex]
3. Next, multiply 0.5 and [tex]\( b \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
0.5 \cdot 5 = 2.5
\][/tex]
4. Then, subtract the result of [tex]\( 0.5b \)[/tex] from the result of [tex]\( ab \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
5 - 2.5 = 2.5
\][/tex]
So, the evaluated result of the expression [tex]\( ab - 0.5b \)[/tex] when [tex]\( a = 1 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b = 5 \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{2.5}
\][/tex]
