Question

Evaluate the expression
x-y
if
x = -2
y = −3
z=5
Show your work.

Answer 1

Step-1: Planning

Given: x = -2; y = -3; z = 5

It is clear that a numerical term can only be evaluated from an expression filled with numbers (no variables). In the expression provided, we have two variables, where y is being subtracted from x.

The expression can't be simplified because there is no like terms in the expression. However, since there are specific numerical values for each variable, we can substitute the numerical values for the variables in the expression and simplify the expression.

Step-2: Solving

As planned, let's substitute the variables into the expression

• ⇒ x - y

Here, we know that x = -2 and y = -3.

• ⇒ -2 - (-3)

If -2 is being subtracted by a negative integer, the negative integer will become positive, and the "minus sign" will be converted to a "plus sign".

• ⇒ -2 + 3 = 1

Step-3: Conclude

We can conclude that 1 is the solution to the expression.