We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium
First, we address the exercise within the parentheses:
Remember that:
When we multiply a positive number by a negative number, the result will be negative.
When we multiply a negative number by a negative number, the result will be positive.
Now we obtain:
We join the coefficients to:
We join the numbers without coefficients:
We obtain:
\( 100-(5+55)= \)
The negative sign acts as -1 multiplied by everything in parentheses. Just like , we need .
Use the sign multiplication rules: negative times positive = negative, and negative times negative = positive. So and .
Both have the same variable a, so they're like terms! Add their coefficients: . Think of it like 8 apples + 2 apples = 10 apples.
They have different variables (a and b), making them unlike terms. You can only combine terms with the exact same variable and exponent.
Substitute simple values for the variables back into both the original expression and your simplified answer. If they give the same result, you're correct! ✓
Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.
Unlimited Video Solutions
Step-by-step explanations for every problem
Progress Analytics
Track your mastery across all topics
Ad-Free Learning
Focus on math without distractions
No credit card required • Cancel anytime