studying for test - need help on simplifying

[adamneedshelp]

I have to redo a quiz question that I missed today in preparation for a test tomorrow. My helper and I have come up with two different answers for simplifying this question. Please tell me if either, and which, is correct.
Problem to simplify: 8(k - 7 - k + 7) - 3
Does it simplify into 5 or -3?

 

[Mrspi]

I have to redo a quiz question that I missed today in preparation for a test tomorrow. My helper and I have come up with two different answers for simplifying this question. Please tell me if either, and which, is correct.
Problem to simplify: 8(k - 7 - k + 7) - 3
Does it simplify into 5 or -3?

Use the "order of operations" to simplify the expression you have.

Start by doing the operations INSIDE the parentheses.

8(k - 7 - k + 7) - 3

Can you do the operations INSIDE the parentheses? What do you get?

Please try that step, and then repost with what you have. We can continue after we see what that step has given you.

 

[adamneedshelp]

redid inside parentheses

Hey - I get the answer inside the parentheses is zero. Our question is whether 8(0) - 3 would result in 0-3 = -3 or if when you get a zero inside parentheses it simply goes away resulting in 8 - 3 = 5?

 

[adamneedshelp]

clear I think

I think I understand. The answer would then be -3. What is confusing to me is that all the variables just cancelled out and it results in an answer that is just one number. All the other simplification ones I have done result in more of an equation type answer. Just wanting to make sure. Thx.