Pre algebra: simplifying (8x - 32)/4 versus (8x - 32)(0.25)

[Jimbo]

I need help with this problem to help my 8th-grade neighbor. I am 66 years old! The problems are:

. . .1) (8x - 32) / 4 = ?

. . .2) (8x - 32)(0.25) = ?

I have figured the answer to be "2x - 8" for both problems and say that the two formulas are the same, just two different ways to write the problem. The eight-grader says I am wrong, but he doesn't know how to work the problem. Can any body help me?

Thanks JIMBO

 

[Denis]

You are correct, Jimbo.

(8x - 32) / 4 is really (8x - 32) times 1/4 ; and 1/4 = .25

Perhaps you can demonstrate to your pesty neighbor
in an easier way by using 100 instead of 8x - 32:
100 * 1/4 = 25
100 / 4 = 25
100 * .25 = 25