document.write( "Question 552550: I'm getting stuck on reciprocal. I know that the opposite of -x is x but I can't remember or find the WHY we have to do that, Here is the simple problem I can't seem to figure out because I want to learn why I have to do the opposite.\r
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document.write( "21 - x = 28
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document.write( "Here's what I did:
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document.write( "21 + (-x) = 28
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document.write( "21-21+(-x) = 28-21
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document.write( "-x = 7\r
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document.write( "I think I'm supposed to read this as \"the opposite of\" -x is X but how do I get the correct answer of -7?\r
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document.write( "Thanks for your help,\r
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document.write( "Ramar\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #360382 by Alan3354(69443)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! 21 - x = 28 \n" ); document.write( "---------- \n" ); document.write( "Add x \n" ); document.write( "21 = x + 28 \n" ); document.write( "Subtract 28 \n" ); document.write( "-7 = x \n" ); document.write( "x = -7 \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |