Question

Given the functions f(x) = −2x − 1 and g(x) = −3x + 4, which operation results in the smallest coefficient on the x term?

Answer 1

It’s -3x because it’s the furthest away from zero on the number line.

Answer 2

There are 3 different operations we can perform. Addition, Subtractions and Multiplication.

Subtraction
(−2x − 1) - (−3x + 4)
x - 5
x coefficient = 1

Addition:
(−2x − 1) + (−3x + 4)
3 - 5x
x coefficient = -5

Multiplication:
x(6x - 5) -4
x coefficient = 6

-5 is the least so addition is the answer