Simplify the Expression: (-x)-(+3x) Using Sign Rules

Question

Simplify the following expression:

(x)(+3x)= ? (-x)-(+3x)=\text{ ?}

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

First, let's remember the rule:

(+x)=x -(+x)=-x

Now let's write the exercise in the following way:

x3x= -x-3x=

We'll add negative x x to the values on the number line and move 3 steps to the left:

-X-X-X-4X-4X-4X-3X-3X-3X-2X-2X-2X

Therefore, the solution is:

x3x=4x -x-3x=-4x

Answer

4x -4x