3-(2x-5)

Question

3-(2x-5)< -4(x+2)

terenzreignz · Answer

This stuff isn't really that much different from solving equations, yeah?
Just simplify the left and right hand-sides first.

anonymous · Answer

i know that.I have trouble knowing what is negative and posstitive

terenzreignz · Answer

Let's worry about that later...
Could you simplify this: 3 - (2x - 5)

anonymous · Answer

-6x - 15 ?

terenzreignz · Answer

Is it?
Why did you distribute the 3?

anonymous · Answer

I thought that was how you simplify it?

terenzreignz · Answer

The thing you distribute inside parentheses is the thing that is immediately to the left of the parentheses, in this case, just the minus sign.

anonymous · Answer

can you re word that please? i didnt really understand it..

terenzreignz · Answer

Simply put, 3 - (2x - 5)
If it confuses you, you can always append a 1 here:
3 - 1(2x - 5)

to remind you that it's not the 3 that you distribute (it's separated from the parentheses by a plus/minus sign)
but the -1.

anonymous · Answer

so -2x + 5?

terenzreignz · Answer

Precisely... but the 3 would still be there...
3 - (2x - 5) = 3 - 2x + 5

simplify further :)