7p−(−5)+(−1) combine like terms with a negative coefficent

Question

Combine like terms with a negative coefficent.   Ex 7p−(−5)+(−1)   I get the whole combining the things like 7p has nothing to combine with, and combine the numerical values -5 and -1.  Whats getting me is when I check my answer the -5 and -1 some how end up as a +4.  How does the -5 and -4 get converted into 5-1.

Answer 1

7p - (-5) + (-1) = 7p + 5 - 1 = 7p + (5 - 1) = 7p + 4

 

Your error is that you did not set -(-5) = 5.  Recall that -(-x) = x always.

Answer 2

7p - (-5) + (- 1)

7p + 5 + ( - 1)

7p + 5 - 1

7p + 4