Chapter 1: Problem 31
Simplify each expression. Use the distributive property to remove any parentheses. $$ -(3 x-2 y+1) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is
\(-3x + 2y - 1\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Distributive Property
We start by applying the distributive property to simplify the expression. The expression given is \[-(3x - 2y + 1)\]. This can be rewritten by distributing the negative sign to each term inside the parentheses, effectively multiplying each term by -1.
02
Distribute the Negative Sign
By applying the distributive property, we get:\[-1 \cdot 3x - 1 \cdot (-2y) - 1 \cdot 1\].Now let's perform the multiplication on each term: - The first term is \[-1 \cdot 3x = -3x\].- The second term is \[-1 \cdot (-2y) = 2y\] (note the double negative becomes positive).- The third term is \[-1 \cdot 1 = -1\].
03
Combine All Results
After multiplying, combine all the results from step 2 into a single expression:\[-3x + 2y - 1\].This is the simplified form of the original expression after applying the distributive property.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental aspect of algebra that helps make complex calculations more manageable. At its core, simplification involves reducing an expression to its simplest form. This can involve several techniques, such as:
- Combining like terms: These are terms that have identical variable parts. For instance, in the expression \(3x + 2x\), the terms can be combined to \(5x\).
- Applying the distributive property: This is particularly useful when dealing with expressions involving parentheses. For example, distributing a factor across terms in parentheses helps eliminate parentheses, making the expression easier to work with.
Multiplying Integers
Multiplying integers is a basic arithmetic operation, crucial in algebra for manipulating expressions. The rules for multiplying integers focus on understanding how the product's sign is determined:
- Positive \(\times\) Positive = Positive: For example, \(3 \times 4 = 12\).
- Negative \(\times\) Negative = Positive: Multiplying two negative numbers, such as \((-3) \times (-4) = 12\), results in a positive product.
- Positive \(\times\) Negative = Negative: This occurs when a positive number is multiplied by a negative number, e.g., \(3 \times (-4) = -12\).
- Negative \(\times\) Positive = Negative: Similarly, multiplying a negative number by a positive number leads to a negative result, such as \((-3) \times 4 = -12\).
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are combinations of variables, numbers, and operations that form the building blocks of algebra. They can range from simple expressions like \(x + 2\) to more complex forms involving multiple terms and operations, such as \((-3x + 2y - 1)\). Here are some key features:
- Variables: Represent unknowns and are usually denoted by symbols such as \(x\), \(y\), or \(z\).
- Constants: Known values, expressed as numbers, like "3" in \(3x\).
- Coefficients: Numbers that multiply the variables, such as "3" in \(3x\). They indicate how many times the variable is counted.
- Operations: Include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which combine the constants and variables.