ANSWER:
b) No
c) Yes
EXPLANATION:
b)
3 (-8 + 1) = 3 x -8 + 3
(3 x -8) (3 x +1) = 3 x -8 + 3 (just put left and right sides into calcu separately)
-72 = -21
Both sides are not equal and therefore it isn't a solution.
c)
3 (0.5 + 1) = 3 x 0.5 + 3
(3 x 0.5) (3 x +1) = 3 x 0.5 + 3
4.5 = 4.5
Both sides are equal and thereofre it IS a solution.