Question

What expression below is equivalent to -71n -

29?
A) -29 - 71n
B) 71n + (-29)
C) 29 + 71n
D) -29 - (-71n)

Answer 1

Answer: Choice A) -29 - 71n

Reason:

An expression in the form -a-b is the same as -a + (-b)

Recall we can add two numbers in any order we want. For instance, 2+3 = 3+2 since both sides are equal to 5. This is the commutative property of addition.

Therefore, the -a + (-b) is the same as -b + (-a) which in turn becomes -b - a

In short: -a - b = -b - a

This rule lets us say that -71n - 29 = -29 - 71n

Answer 2

A

Explanation:

both numbers are negative, you can rearrange them in any order provided you keep the sign