Question

What is the value of the expression 3 – a – b when a = 15 and b = –3?

–21

–15

–9

21

Answer 1

Just substitute then solve

3-15-(-3)

Answer:

-9

If it helps draw a number line

<--------------------------------------------------------------------->

-10 -5 0 5 10

start at 3, then left 15 spaces, then right 3 spaces

Answer 2

the answer is -9

Explanation:

3 - 15 = -12

-12 - (-3) = 9 adding two negatives gives you a positive so its really, -12 + 3