Final answer:
Multiplying both sides of the equation by -1 changes the sign of each term resulting in the equation y = -7 + 3x. This operation, utilized frequently in mathematics, assists in simplifying equations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you multiply both sides of the equation (−1)(−y) = (−1)(7 − 3x) by -1, you are effectively changing the sign of each term. The -1 multiplied by -y makes it y and on the other side, -1 multiplied by 7 gives -7, and -1 multiplied by -3x gives 3x. These changes follow the rule that the product of two negative numbers is a positive number. So, the equation becomes y = -7 + 3x.
This operation is commonly used in solving equations to make them easier to handle. For example, often equations need to be simplified so that the variable is positive, and this is where multiplying by -1 comes in handy.
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