Solve: ⬜-(-3)-(-10)=-40 | Fill in the Missing Value

Algebraic Equations with Double Negative Operations

(3)(10)=40 ⬜-(-3)-(-10)=-40

Fill in the blank.

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the unknown
00:04 Negative times negative always equals positive
00:09 Open parentheses
00:14 Calculate the operation
00:20 Isolate the unknown
00:36 Calculate each operation separately
00:48 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

(3)(10)=40 ⬜-(-3)-(-10)=-40

Fill in the blank.

2

Step-by-step solution

First let's remember the rule:

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

Now let's rewrite the exercise like so:

?+3+10=40 ?+3+10=-40

?+13=40 ?+13=-40

Then we can add -13 to both sides to cancel out the left side:

?+1313=4013 ?+13-13=-40-13

Finally, we obtain:

?+0=53 ?+0=-53

?=53 ?=-53

3

Final Answer

53 -53

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Double negatives become positive: -(-x) = +x
  • Technique: Rewrite (3)(10)=40 ⬜-(-3)-(-10)=-40 as +3+10=40 ⬜+3+10=-40
  • Check: Substitute -53: -53-(-3)-(-10) = -53+3+10 = -40 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to change signs when removing parentheses
    Don't just remove the parentheses without changing signs = wrong calculation! Writing ⬜-3-10=-40 gives ⬜=-27 instead of -53. Always apply the double negative rule: -(-x) becomes +x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does -(-3) become +3?

+

The double negative rule says that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Think of it as: "taking away a debt is like gaining money!"

How do I handle multiple double negatives in one problem?

+

Handle them one at a time. Change each -(-number) to +number, then combine like terms. So (3)(10) -(-3)-(-10) becomes +3+10=13 +3+10 = 13 .

What's the difference between -(+3) and -(-3)?

+

(+3)=3 -(+3) = -3 (negative of positive 3), but (3)=+3 -(-3) = +3 (negative of negative 3). The sign inside the parentheses matters!

Can I solve this without using the double negative rule?

+

You could, but it's much harder! The double negative rule simplifies the equation from (3)(10)=40 ⬜-(-3)-(-10)=-40 to +13=40 ⬜+13=-40 , making it easier to solve.

How do I check if -53 is really the right answer?

+

Substitute -53 back into the original equation: 53(3)(10)=53+3+10=40 -53-(-3)-(-10) = -53+3+10 = -40 . Since this equals -40, our answer is correct!

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