simplify: ( x +3)-( 4 -x )

Question

simplify: ( x +3)-( 4 -x )

Answer 1

Hi Collis,

 

To simplify this expression, make sure to distribute the negative sign through the parenthesis on the right.

 

The (x + 3) part is fine by itself.

 

On the right side of the expression, the negative sign is applied to BOTH the 4 AND the -x. So, they become -4 and +x.

 

Now, "group like terms." That means combining the stuff that has an 'x' together, and combining the regular numbers together.

 

We have:

 

x + 3 - 4 + x

 

"Grouping like terms" gets us:

 

2x - 1

 

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

( x +3)-( 4 -x )

= x + 3 - 4 + x

= 2 x - 1

 

Answer 3

(x + 3) - (4 - x)                The first parentheses is unnecessary

 

x + 3 - (4 - x)               (Multiply the second term by the -1 in front of it )

 

x + 3 - 4 + x               (rearrange, variables with variables and numbers with numbers)

 

(x + x)  + (3 - 4 )   (simplify)

 

2x -1