How do you evaluate #- 3- 4( - 4- ( 3- - 5))#?

2 Answers
David Drayer
Sep 25, 2017

Use the order of operations and start with the inside parenthesis

Explanation:

# ( 3 - - 5) = 3 + 5 = 8 #

A negative times a negative equals a positive. Think about it this way. Taking away something is a negative, negatives can be considered as something bad. Taking away something bad is good.

Substitute the i+8 into the expression in place of ( # 3 --5#)

#-3 -4 ( -4 +8 ) #

# (-4 + 8) = +4) # The negative goes down the positive goes up, the integers go in opposite directions so subtract them and the positive is larger so the sum of -4 + 8 is + 4

Substitute +4 for # (-4 +8)#

#-3 -4(+4)# = - 3 - 16# a negative times a positive is a negative.

# -3 -16 = -19# negative three goes down - 16 goes down so you go down down down ( into a burning ring of fire) and the answer is a "bigger" negative number

Anthony R.
Sep 25, 2017

#45#

Explanation:

We must use our order of operations very carefully. If we follow the form PEMDAS, then we will look at the inner parenthesis and simplify that first

#-3-4(-4-(color(red)(3--5)))#

#-3-4(-4-(color(red)(3+5)))#

#-3-4(-4-color(red)8)#

Next we look at the other parenthesis

#-3-4(color(red)(-4-8))#

#-3-4(color(red)(-12))#

Now we can multiply #-4# and #-12# which yields #48#

#-3+48#

Finally, Add

#-3+48=45#

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