Chapter 1: Problem 66
\(17-23-14-(-18)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The answer is -2.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Expression
The given expression is \(17 - 23 - 14 - (-18)\). This is a sequence of subtraction operations with a negative number, \(-18\), at the end which requires particular attention.
02
Simplify the Negative Parenthesis
Subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding its positive value. Therefore, \(-(-18)\) becomes \(+18\). The expression now reads: \(17 - 23 - 14 + 18\).
03
Solve the Expression from Left to Right
Begin by solving the expression from left to right. First calculate: \(17 - 23 = -6\).
04
Continue the Calculation
Next, take the result from Step 3 and subtract 14: \(-6 - 14 = -20\).
05
Add the Last Number
Finally, add 18 to the result from Step 4: \(-20 + 18 = -2\).
06
Verify the Calculation
Check each step to ensure the arithmetic operations have been applied correctly. The computations are: \(17 - 23 = -6\), \(-6 - 14 = -20\), \(-20 + 18 = -2\). Each step checks out.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Subtraction
Subtraction is a fundamental arithmetic operation. It involves taking one number (the subtrahend) away from another (the minuend). In the expression \(17 - 23 - 14 - (-18)\), subtraction is used several times.
- The minuend is the number we start with, like 17 in the first part of the expression.
- The subtrahend is the number being subtracted, such as 23, 14, or (-18).
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are essential in math as they represent values below zero. They can often be tricky when combined with subtraction. In our example, consider \(-18\). Although recorded as a subtraction, it turns into an addition due to the double negative.
- For example, \(-(-18)\) becomes \(+18\), because subtracting a negative is the same as adding the positive counterpart.
Order of Operations
The order in which you solve a math problem is crucial. This concept is referred to as the order of operations. For this specific problem, simple left-to-right operations are used, since all math operations are either subtraction or subsequent addition.
- Start solving from the left: \(17 - 23\) gives \(-6\).
- Next, take \(-6\) and subtract 14 to get \(-20\).
- Finally, add 18 to \(-20\) to reach \(-2\).