To determine which expression is equivalent to [tex]\( 3(4.26y - 5.07) \)[/tex], we need to distribute the 3 across the terms inside the parentheses. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Distribute the 3 to the first term [tex]\( 4.26y \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
3 \times 4.26y = 12.78y
\][/tex]
2. Distribute the 3 to the second term [tex]\(-5.07\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
3 \times -5.07 = -15.21
\][/tex]
3. Combine these two results to form the equivalent expression:
[tex]\[
12.78y - 15.21
\][/tex]
Having performed this distribution step-by-step, we can see that the equivalent expression is:
[tex]\[
12.78y - 15.21
\][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
12.78y - 15.21
\][/tex]
