about parenthesis

[shara]

Is it wrong not to use parenthesis before the minus that is before the number 5?


Do I HAVE TO write "-2 + (-5) = -7" and "-2 x (-5) = 10" or is it ok to write "-2 + -5 = -7" and "-2 x -5 = 10"?


Thanks,

 

[lookagain]

Is it wrong not to use parenthesis before the minus that is before the number 5?


Do I HAVE TO write "-2 + (-5) = -7" and "-2 x (-5) = 10" or is it ok to write "-2 + -5 = -7" and "-2 x -5 = 10"?


Thanks,

No, you do not have to use a pair of parentheses around the "5" in either case.





Note: The plural of "parenthesis" is "parentheses."

 

[shara]

Thanks a million...

 

[Quaid]

Is it wrong not to use [parentheses]

Do I HAVE TO write "-2 + (-5) = -7"

At the beginner's level, you may omit these parentheses, as long as what's left on the paper is clear enough to understand. (Readers may miss the negative sign; parentheses help prevent this from happening).

As you continue into algebra or beyond, such missing parentheses may cause you problems. One example concerns machines that do math; most computers are not programmed to understand two arithmetic operators (symbols) next to each other (like +- or /-), so you will need to include parentheses in future courses which use technology. Another example concerns instructors who may emphasize their views about "proper form", so you will need to include parentheses to keep such instructors "happy".

My main point: Extra parentheses won't break anything, so you may want to consider getting used to them now, to be prepared for the future when you no longer have a choice.

Cheers :cool: