Is -x+3 the same thing as x-3?

Question

I'm subracting fractions that have denominators like x-3 and such.  And the numerator for the answer is -x+3.  So I was wondering if I could just simplify that and cross them both out?

Answer 1

No.  They are not the same.  Here is why.  If we rewrite these expressions using distributive property laws,

 

 

- x + 3 = - (x - 3)

 

x - 3 = x - 3

 

 

- (x - 3) ≠ (x - 3)