Simplify this expression: $19-(-8)-(-14)=$ ?
A) 41
B) 25
C) -3
D) -7
Answer (2)
Rewrite the expression by changing subtraction of negative numbers to addition: 19 + 8 + 14 .
Add the first two numbers: 19 + 8 = 27 .
Add the result to the remaining number: 27 + 14 = 41 .
The simplified expression is 41 .
Explanation
Understanding the Expression We are asked to simplify the expression 19 − ( − 8 ) − ( − 14 ) . Remember that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive of that number.
Rewriting the Expression So, we can rewrite the expression as 19 + 8 + 14 .
Adding the Numbers Now, we simply add the numbers together: 19 + 8 = 27 , and then 27 + 14 = 41 .
Final Result Therefore, the simplified expression is 41 .
Examples
Understanding how to simplify expressions with negative numbers is crucial in many real-world scenarios. For example, in accounting, you might deal with credits and debits, where debits can be thought of as negative numbers. Simplifying expressions helps you calculate the net balance. Similarly, in physics, when calculating net force, forces in opposite directions can be represented as positive and negative numbers, and simplifying the expression gives you the magnitude and direction of the net force. This skill is also useful in everyday situations like calculating temperature changes or tracking financial transactions.
The expression 19 − ( − 8 ) − ( − 14 ) simplifies to 41 by changing the subtraction of negatives to addition and performing the arithmetic. Thus, the correct choice is A) 41.
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