-4x + 7 - [(-3x +1) - (-2x - 4)] = ?

1 Answer
Jan 18, 2018

#-3x+2#

Explanation:

In order to solve this, we will first simplify the term in the square brackets, then complete the operation.

First, we examine the term in the square brackets.

#[(-3x+1)-(-2x-4)]#

Recall that #a-b = a+(-b)#, thus #a+b = a-(-b)# as well:

#= [(-3x+1)-(-1(2x+4))] = [(-3x+1)+2x+4]#

Now, we combine like terms:

#= [-3x+2x +1+4] = [-x+5]#

Substitute this back into the original equation for our term in the brackets:

#-4x+7 - [(-3x+1)-(-2x-4)] = -4x+7 - (-x+5)#

Once more, #a-b = a+(-b)#...

#-> -4x+7 + x-5 = -3x+2#