Question

when given an algebraic expression involving subtraction why is it best to rewrite the expression using addition before identifying the term?

Answer 1

So you can consider the basic rule of operations such as the PEMDAS or simply the MDAS in computing and calculating equations. Hence Addition comes before Subtraction. For example given -3 + 5, you can arrange this set into a simpler one such as 5 – 3 = 2. You aim to have a positive sum rather than a negative value sum.