Solve the Equation: -38 - ((-14) - (-7)) - 3(7 + 4b) = ?

Order of Operations with Negative Numbers

38((-14)(7))3(7+4b)=? -38-((\text{-}14)-(-7))-3(7+4b)=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Let's solve this problem together.
00:14 Remember, when you multiply negative by negative, it's always positive.
00:20 And if you multiply negative by positive, the result is always negative.
00:32 Again, negative times negative gives you positive.
00:36 But negative times positive results in negative.
00:43 Always do multiplication and division before you do addition and subtraction. Take it step by step.
00:53 Focus on one operation at a time for clarity.
01:11 Use the distribution law. Split thirty-one into thirty and one.
01:16 Next, split twenty-one into twenty and one using the same rule.
01:21 Now, let's group the tens together.
01:24 Then, let's group the ones.
01:27 And that's how we find the solution. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

38((-14)(7))3(7+4b)=? -38-((\text{-}14)-(-7))-3(7+4b)=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will simplify the given expression step by step:

First, consider the expression inside the innermost parentheses: (-14)(7)(\text{-}14)-(-7).

Using the rule that subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding its positive counterpart, we have:

(-14)(7)=-14+7(\text{-}14)-(-7) = \text{-}14 + 7.

Simplifying this gives us 7 -7 .

Now substitute back into the original expression:

38(7)3(7+4b)-38 - (-7) - 3(7 + 4b).

We can handle the next operation as follows:

38(7)-38 - (-7) is equivalent to 38+7 -38 + 7.

Simplifying this gives us: 31 -31 .

Next, consider the term 3(7+4b)-3(7 + 4b). Using the distributive property, distribute 3-3:

3×7=21-3 \times 7 = -21.

3×4b=12b-3 \times 4b = -12b.

Thus, 3(7+4b)=2112b-3(7 + 4b) = -21 - 12b.

Substitute back into the expression:

312112b-31 - 21 - 12b.

Combine the constants:

3121=52-31 - 21 = -52.

The simplified expression is:

5212b-52 - 12b.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 5212b -52 - 12b .

3

Final Answer

5212b -52-12b

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Subtract negative equals add positive: -(-7) = +7
  • Technique: Distribute first: -3(7 + 4b) = -21 - 12b
  • Check: Final expression has same variable terms as distributed form ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrectly handling double negatives
    Don't treat -(-7) as -7 = wrong sign throughout! This makes -38-(-7) become -38-7=-45 instead of -31. Always remember subtracting a negative means adding the positive.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 70:(14\times5)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative number become addition?

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Think of it like removing a debt! If you owe $7 (negative) and that debt is removed (subtracted), you actually gain $7. So (7)=+7 -(-7) = +7 .

When do I use the distributive property?

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Use it whenever you see a number or variable multiplied by parentheses. In 3(7+4b) -3(7 + 4b) , multiply -3 by each term inside: both 7 and 4b.

How do I keep track of all the negative signs?

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Work step by step and write each step clearly. Use parentheses to group operations: 38(7)=38+7 -38 - (-7) = -38 + 7 before combining.

What's the difference between -52 - 12b and -52 + 12b?

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The sign in front of 12b matters! When distributing 3×4b -3 \times 4b , you get 12b -12b , so the final answer keeps the negative: -52 - 12b.

Can I rearrange the terms in my final answer?

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Yes! 5212b -52 - 12b is the same as 12b52 -12b - 52 . However, the standard form usually puts the constant term first when it's negative.

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