Question

2. Are the expressions -5 + -2 and -5 – 2 equivalent? Why or why not? Explain and show your work.

Answer 1

Yes, the expressions are equivalent.

Explanation:

Notice that -2 is defined as in additive inverse of 2, that is, 2 + -2 = 0.

and substracting 2 from 2 is also equal to zero, that is, 2 - 2 = 0.

Thus 2-2 = 2+ -2, implying -2 = + -2. Consequently, -5 + -2 = -5 -2