Is the expression 3 (x + 1 1/2) equivalent to 3x + 1 1/2

No

Step-by-step explanation:

You only distribute the 3 to the x but not to 1 1/2. In order for the two equations to be the same, you have to distribute 3 to both the x and 1 1/2. Then the answer will look like this : 3x + 4 1/2 or 3x + 9/2