To evaluate the expression [tex]\(\frac{-5 - (x + y)}{2}\)[/tex] with the given values [tex]\(x = 3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(y = 6\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Substitute the values of [tex]\(x\)[/tex] and [tex]\(y\)[/tex]:
- Given [tex]\(x = 3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(y = 6\)[/tex], the expression becomes:
[tex]\[
\frac{-5 - (3 + 6)}{2}
\][/tex]
2. Perform the addition inside the parentheses:
- Calculate [tex]\(3 + 6\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
3 + 6 = 9
\][/tex]
3. Substitute the result back into the expression:
- Now the expression is:
[tex]\[
\frac{-5 - 9}{2}
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the expression inside the numerator:
- Combine [tex]\(-5\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-9\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
-5 - 9 = -14
\][/tex]
5. Perform the division:
- Divide the numerator by the denominator:
[tex]\[
\frac{-14}{2} = -7
\][/tex]
So, the value of the expression is [tex]\(-7\)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. -7
