Chapter 1: Problem 38
Simplify each of the numerical expressions. $$ 5(-1)^{3}-(-3)^{3} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is 22.
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the Exponentiated Terms
First, calculate the value of \((-1)^3\) and \((-3)^3\).\[(-1)^3 = -1 \times -1 \times -1 = -1\]\[(-3)^3 = -3 \times -3 \times -3 = -27\]
02
Apply the Negative Sign
Now, account for the negative sign in front of the \((-3)^3\) term.Since there is a negative sign in front of \((-3)^3\), we have:\(-(-3)^3 = -(-27) = 27\).
03
Substitute Back into the Expression
Substitute the simplified values back into the original expression:\[5(-1)^3 - (-3)^3 = 5(-1) + 27\]
04
Calculate the Result
Now, multiply the 5 and \(-1\): \[5(-1) = -5\] Then perform the addition:\(-5 + 27 = 22\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponentiation
Exponentiation is the mathematical operation where a number, known as the base, is multiplied by itself a specified number of times, called the exponent. For example, in the expression \((-1)^3\),
- the base is \(-1\)
- the exponent is 3
- For example, \((-2)^2 = 4\)
- Whereas \((-2)^3 = -8\)
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions often involves breaking them down into more manageable parts, making calculations more straightforward. In our example, we have the expression \(5(-1)^3 - (-3)^3\).
- We start by addressing exponentiation, as this is fundamental before other operations.
- Once exponentiated components are resolved, move to arithmetic operations such as addition or subtraction.
- \((-1)^3\) was simplified to \(-1\)
- \((-3)^3\) became \(-27\)
- Substitution gives \(5(-1) + 27\)
- Finally simplifies to \(-5 + 27 = 22\)
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers, those less than zero, exhibit unique properties that can affect outcomes in arithmetic operations. When working with expressions that include negative numbers, special attention is needed:
- Multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive number, e.g., \((-2) \times (-3) = 6\)
- Multiplying a negative number by a positive number keeps the result negative, e.g., \((-2) \times 3 = -6\)
- \((-1)^3\) maintained its negative value, while
- \(-(-3)^3\) inverted the sign to positive due to the initial subtraction sign.