SOLUTION: when using the distributive property,if we have subtraction sign do we subtract or add?
Ex: 4(x-5)
plz help me,thanku
Algebra.Com
Question 770863: when using the distributive property,if we have subtraction sign do we subtract or add?
Ex: 4(x-5)
plz help me,thanku
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Save yourself a lot of heartache and grief. Forget you ever heard the words "subtract" and "subtraction". There are only three basic operations in algebra, addition, multiplication, and raising to a power.
You NEVER subtract. You add a negative number. Do not think of 
as "x subtract 5". It is "x plus a negative 5", thus: )
.
Without re-writing every problem, just remember that the sign is bound to the number it preceeds. With that in mind, he process of applying the distributive property in your example is 4 times x plus 4 times -5, or )
which you would then write as 
.
John
Egw to Beta kai to Sigma
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
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