Question

When distributing a negative sign in front of grouping symbols, you must multiply each term inside the grouping symbols by _____.

Answer 1

Answer:

A negative value or minus sign (-).

Step-by-step explanation:

A grouping symbol can be defined as a set of symbol used for organizing multiple numbers or variables in an algebraic equation.

In Mathematics, there are basically three (3) main grouping symbols and these are;

1. Parentheses ( ).

2. Braces { }.

3. Brackets [ ].

Additionally, grouping symbols are used to determine the order of operation when solving an algebraic equation.

Hence, when distributing a negative sign in front of grouping symbols, you must multiply each term inside the grouping symbols by a negative value or minus sign.

For example, given the algebraic equation X = 20 - 2(-1 + 2 - 5)

We would simplify the numbers in the parentheses (grouping symbol) by multiplying with -2;

X = 20 + 2 - 2 - 10

X = 20 - 10

X = 10

Example 2;

-(-1 - 2 + 3 - 4)

We multiply each term inside the grouping symbol by the minus sign

1 + 2 - 3 + 4 = 4.