Question

15. Simplify the expression below. Show your work.
–(–7y + 12)

Answer 1

You can treat the negative in front like a negative 1:
$$-1 \cdot (-7y + 12)$$

Simply distribute the negative into the parenthesis:
$$(-7y \cdot -1) + (12 \cdot -1)$$
$$(+7y) + (-12)$$
$$7y -12$$

Answer 2

In another sense, the negative just makes all of the signs (+ or -) switch within the parenthesis.