View Full Version : I am having trouble with negative numbers.
Marcawesome
Sep 10, 2010, 05:41 AM
Example:
-2(x-y) Y=-3. Do I change the equation to -2(x+3y), because of the minus sign or do I make it -2(x-(-3y))?
ebaines
Sep 10, 2010, 05:48 AM
Actually, neither of thoise would be correct. As you typed the equation, it looks like this:
-2(x-y)y= -3
Please correct me if I misinterpreted your question.
if you multiply the -2 through, you get:
[-2x-(-2y)]y = -3
Remembering that a negative times a negative is a positive number:
[-2x+2y]y = -3
Hope this helps.
Marcawesome
Sep 10, 2010, 05:51 AM
I am distributing Y=3 is not in the equation. It's
-2(x-y)
But y=-3, so with the minus sign I am confused when I plug the -3 in. Do I make it a positive three because to the two negatives rule, or do I live it -3?
galactus
Sep 10, 2010, 06:24 AM
If y=-3, you have
-2(x-(-3))=-2(x+3)
Marcawesome
Sep 10, 2010, 06:25 AM
If y=-3, you have
-2(x-(-3))=-2(x+3)
Thanks, this was giving me a lot of problems.