Evaluate The Expression:${ -34 - (-18) = }$
Introduction
In mathematics, evaluating expressions is a fundamental concept that involves simplifying mathematical statements to obtain a final value. Expressions can be simple or complex, and they often involve various mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In this article, we will focus on evaluating the expression , which involves subtracting a negative number from another negative number.
Understanding Negative Numbers
Before we dive into evaluating the expression, it's essential to understand the concept of negative numbers. A negative number is a number that is less than zero. It's denoted by a minus sign (-) placed before the number. For example, -5 is a negative number, and it's equal to the opposite of 5.
Evaluating the Expression
Now that we have a basic understanding of negative numbers, let's evaluate the expression . To do this, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS), which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
In this case, we have two negative numbers being subtracted from each other. When we subtract a negative number, we are essentially adding a positive number. So, can be rewritten as .
Simplifying the Expression
Now that we have rewritten the expression as , we can simplify it by adding the two numbers. To do this, we need to find the sum of the two numbers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the expression can be evaluated by rewriting it as and then simplifying it by adding the two numbers. The final result is .
Real-World Applications
Evaluating expressions like has many real-world applications. For example, in finance, you may need to calculate the difference between two negative numbers to determine the net loss or gain of an investment. In science, you may need to evaluate expressions like this to determine the net change in a physical quantity.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you evaluate expressions like :
- Always follow the order of operations (PEMDAS)
- When subtracting a negative number, rewrite it as adding a positive number
- Simplify the expression by adding or subtracting the numbers
- Check your work by plugging in the numbers into a calculator or by using a different method to evaluate the expression
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when evaluating expressions like :
- Not following the order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Not rewriting the expression as adding a positive number when subtracting a negative number
- Not simplifying the expression by adding or subtracting the numbers
- Not checking your work by plugging in the numbers into a calculator or by using a different method to evaluate the expression
Final Thoughts
Evaluating expressions like is an essential skill in mathematics that has many real-world applications. By following the order of operations (PEMDAS) and rewriting the expression as adding a positive number when subtracting a negative number, you can simplify the expression and obtain the final result. Remember to always check your work by plugging in the numbers into a calculator or by using a different method to evaluate the expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about evaluating expressions like :
- Q: What is the order of operations (PEMDAS)? A: The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a set of rules that tells you which operations to perform first when evaluating an expression. It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
- Q: How do I rewrite the expression as adding a positive number? A: To rewrite the expression as adding a positive number, you need to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign. So, becomes .
- Q: How do I simplify the expression ? A: To simplify the expression , you need to add the two numbers. So, .
References
Here are some references that you can use to learn more about evaluating expressions like :
- Khan Academy: Evaluating Expressions
- Mathway: Evaluating Expressions
- Wolfram Alpha: Evaluating Expressions
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you can use to learn more about evaluating expressions like :
- Online calculators: You can use online calculators like Wolfram Alpha or Mathway to evaluate expressions like .
- Math textbooks: You can use math textbooks like "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan or "Calculus" by Michael Spivak to learn more about evaluating expressions.
- Online courses: You can take online courses like "Algebra" or "Calculus" on platforms like Coursera or edX to learn more about evaluating expressions.
Introduction
Evaluating expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves simplifying mathematical statements to obtain a final value. In our previous article, we discussed how to evaluate the expression , which involves subtracting a negative number from another negative number. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about evaluating expressions.
Q&A
Q: What is the order of operations (PEMDAS)?
A: The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a set of rules that tells you which operations to perform first when evaluating an expression. It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
Q: How do I rewrite the expression as adding a positive number?
A: To rewrite the expression as adding a positive number, you need to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign. So, becomes .
Q: How do I simplify the expression ?
A: To simplify the expression , you need to add the two numbers. So, .
Q: What is the difference between subtracting a negative number and adding a positive number?
A: Subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding a positive number. For example, is equivalent to .
Q: How do I evaluate an expression with multiple operations?
A: To evaluate an expression with multiple operations, you need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS). First, evaluate any expressions inside parentheses. Next, evaluate any exponents. Finally, evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right, and then evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.
Q: What is the importance of evaluating expressions?
A: Evaluating expressions is an essential skill in mathematics that has many real-world applications. It helps you to simplify complex mathematical statements and obtain a final value. It also helps you to understand the relationships between different mathematical concepts.
Q: How do I check my work when evaluating an expression?
A: To check your work when evaluating an expression, you can plug in the numbers into a calculator or use a different method to evaluate the expression. You can also use online tools like Wolfram Alpha or Mathway to check your work.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when evaluating expressions?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when evaluating expressions include:
- Not following the order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Not rewriting the expression as adding a positive number when subtracting a negative number
- Not simplifying the expression by adding or subtracting the numbers
- Not checking your work by plugging in the numbers into a calculator or by using a different method to evaluate the expression
Conclusion
Evaluating expressions is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves simplifying mathematical statements to obtain a final value. By following the order of operations (PEMDAS) and rewriting the expression as adding a positive number when subtracting a negative number, you can simplify the expression and obtain the final result. Remember to always check your work by plugging in the numbers into a calculator or by using a different method to evaluate the expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about evaluating expressions:
- Q: What is the order of operations (PEMDAS)? A: The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a set of rules that tells you which operations to perform first when evaluating an expression. It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
- Q: How do I rewrite the expression as adding a positive number? A: To rewrite the expression as adding a positive number, you need to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign. So, becomes .
- Q: How do I simplify the expression ? A: To simplify the expression , you need to add the two numbers. So, .
References
Here are some references that you can use to learn more about evaluating expressions:
- Khan Academy: Evaluating Expressions
- Mathway: Evaluating Expressions
- Wolfram Alpha: Evaluating Expressions
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you can use to learn more about evaluating expressions:
- Online calculators: You can use online calculators like Wolfram Alpha or Mathway to evaluate expressions.
- Math textbooks: You can use math textbooks like "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan or "Calculus" by Michael Spivak to learn more about evaluating expressions.
- Online courses: You can take online courses like "Algebra" or "Calculus" on platforms like Coursera or edX to learn more about evaluating expressions.