Question

When given an algebraic expression involving subtraction, why is it best to rewrite the expression using addition before identifying the terms?

Answer 1

It is best to rewrite the expression using addition before identifying the terms because when you have subtraction figures, those would make a term negative. As a result, it would be easier to accidentally misinterpret a term that is negative as positive when evaluating an expression. Rewriting it using addition would put the negative terms in parenthesis and make it easier to transpose those terms and ensure correct identification and use.