# Math Help - Need some advice on basic algebra

1. ## Need some advice on basic algebra

Remove all the grouping symbols. Simplify as you go by evaluating the numbers. Remove the brackets first.

a) 5−[3−(x−2)] =5−3+(x−2) =2+x−2 =x.

b) 5−[3−(x+2)] =5−3+(x+2) =2+x+2 =x+4.

c) −5+[3−(x−2)] =−5+3−(x−2) =−2−x+2 =−x.

d) 5−[−3−(x+2)] =5+3+(x+2) =8+x+2 =x+10.

I understand a,b & c

The rule as I understood it was if the sign before the grouping symbol is + then we remove the grouping symbol and do nothing. If the sign before the grouping symbol is - then we remove the grouping symbol and reverse the sign(s) that where within it. ie −5+3−(x−2) =−2−x+2.

But in D the first part is 5−[−3−(x+2)] =5+3+(x+2) whereas I work it as

5-[-3-(x+2)] = 5-3+(x+2) which is apparently incorrect.

I'm guessing it a sign rule that I forgot. Maybe its just too late and I should go to bed lol

Thanks.

2. ## Re: Need some advice on basic algebra

Originally Posted by haruchai
Remove all the grouping symbols. Simplify as you go by evaluating the numbers. Remove the brackets first.

a) 5−[3−(x−2)] =5−3+(x−2) =2+x−2 =x.

b) 5−[3−(x+2)] =5−3+(x+2) =2+x+2 =x+4.

c) −5+[3−(x−2)] =−5+3−(x−2) =−2−x+2 =−x.

d) 5−[−3−(x+2)] =5+3+(x+2) =8+x+2 =x+10.

I understand a,b & c

The rule as I understood it was if the sign before the grouping symbol is + then we remove the grouping symbol and do nothing. If the sign before the grouping symbol is - then we remove the grouping symbol and reverse the sign(s) that where within it. ie −5+3−(x−2) =−2−x+2.

But in D the first part is 5−[−3−(x+2)] =5+3+(x+2) whereas I work it as

5-[-3-(x+2)] = 5-3+(x+2) which is apparently incorrect.