SOLUTION: Solve for x. a+x=b The answer I got is x=b-a. When I checked my answer on a calculator that shows the steps it showed a-x=b and then switched it to x=-a+b for the final answer. W

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Solve for x. a+x=b The answer I got is x=b-a. When I checked my answer on a calculator that shows the steps it showed a-x=b and then switched it to x=-a+b for the final answer. W      Log On


   

Question 1011859: Solve for x.
a+x=b
The answer I got is x=b-a. When I checked my answer on a calculator that shows the steps it showed a-x=b and then switched it to x=-a+b for the final answer. Which answer is correct? If x=-a+b is the answer why when my answer is simpler?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-a%2Bb and b-a are equivalent expressions.

Start with -a%2Bb. Use the commutative property to swap the terms "-a" and "b" to get b%2B%28-a%29. When you add on a negative, you're really subtracting. So b%2B%28-a%29 turns into b-a. All of this shows how -a%2Bb and b-a are equivalent.