Simplify -4|-5| - [2(-17)]
I'd really like the steps to figuring out the answer. Also, I understand that the absolute value of -5 means it can be 5 or -5, but with an absolute answer, how can I be sure which I need to choose?

Question

Simplify -4|-5| - [2(-17)]
I'd really like the steps to figuring out the answer. Also, I understand that the absolute value of -5 means it can be 5 or -5, but with an absolute answer, how can I be sure which I need to choose?

freckles · Answer

no |-5| is 5

freckles · Answer

|  | will always given 0 or positive answer

freckles · Answer

|0|=0
|5|=5
|-5|=5

in other words if x is negative then |x|=-x
and if x is positive then |x|=x

freckles · Answer

if x is negative...
|x|=-x is positive since -1*negative is positive

freckles · Answer

so you actually have:
$$-4(5)-[2(-17)]$$

freckles · Answer

do you think you can continue from here?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, then it is just order of operation.

freckles · Answer

yep