Answer:
A negative value or minus sign (-).
Explanation:
A grouping symbol can be defined as a set of symbol used for organizing multiple numbers or variables in an algebraic equation.
In Mathematics, there are basically three (3) main grouping symbols and these are;
1. Parentheses ( ).
2. Braces { }.
3. Brackets [ ].
Additionally, grouping symbols are used to determine the order of operation when solving an algebraic equation.
Hence, when distributing a negative sign in front of grouping symbols, you must multiply each term inside the grouping symbols by a negative value or minus sign.
For example, given the algebraic equation X = 20 - 2(-1 + 2 - 5)
We would simplify the numbers in the parentheses (grouping symbol) by multiplying with -2;
X = 20 + 2 - 2 - 10
X = 20 - 10
X = 10
Example 2;
-(-1 - 2 + 3 - 4)
We multiply each term inside the grouping symbol by the minus sign
1 + 2 - 3 + 4 = 4.