Question

Can someone explain to me why I have to make the + symbol a - when the question asks 7a-(3+8a)?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Because there is a negative sign before parentheses.

The sign( a) is negative When multiplied by the negative before the parentheses The sign becomes negative

Answer 2

Hey there!

First, let's solve this maths problem:

7a-(3+8a)

Here we should use the Distributive Property and distribute -

Wait, what? Distribute a minus? Yeah! The minus sign (in this case) is the same as -1:

7a-3-8a

Now, why did the plus sign change to the minus sign?

Because a negative times a positive is a negative.

Hope everything is clear.

Let me know if you have any queries; if you do, please comment.

#LearningDoesn'tEnd

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