Simple math question confusion.

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Jan 28, 2015
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Edit again-

Apparently both ways of solving works but the text book way is a bit confusing to me.

text book= 1-(2-3(1-2^3)
(8-1)=-7
=1 -(2-3(-7)
=3(-7)=-21

my way = 1-(2-3 (1-2^3)
= -3(-7) = 1-(2+21)

Now both ways give -22 as the final result.But I always thought that the integers own the sigh that comes before them,thus it should be -3(-7) not 3(-7) as my text book did.
Sorry this might be a bit confusing.
 
Last edited:
Edit again-

Apparently both ways of solving works but the text book way is a bit confusing to me.

text book= 1-(2-3(1-2^3)
(8-1)=-7
=1 -(2-3(-7)
=3(-7)=-21

my way = 1-(2-3 (1-2^3)
= -3(-7) = 1-(2+21)

Now both ways give -22 as the final result.But I always thought that the integers own the sigh that comes before them,thus it should be -3(-7) not 3(-7) as my text book did.
Sorry this might be a bit confusing.
There are two equivalent ways to look at 2-3(-7). The book apparently says subtract 3 times -7 which is subtracting the -21 so really add the positive 21. Or, you can add -3 times -7 which is to say add 21. Which ever way you are comfortable with unless you need to regurgitate the rule specifically.
 
Ah I see,thank you both dennis and ishuda for the insight.
 
splitting the "thanks":
.75 * 100 = 75% for me, .25 * 100 = 25% for Ishuda :evil:
I thought that I would get a few % points for not saying anything. That's what I get for being good.
 
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