Question 242550
-x[-x(x-a)-(a-x)]
Let x= -2
Let a= -5
.
In this problem we need to substitute the values of these two variables into the expression, then simplify it.
Be careful with the negatives.  In order to avoid confusion, I will be using parenthesis to distinguish a negative number from a deduction.
Remember that when we deduct a negative number is the same as adding its positive value.  Watch carefully:
.
{{{-x(-x(x-a)-(a-x))}}}
{{{-(-2)(-(-2)((-2)-(-5))-((-5)-(-2)))}}}
Now that we've substituted the values, we convert -(-) into postives.
{{{2(2(-2+5)-(-5+2))}}}
Let's solve what is inside the two smallest parenthesis.
{{{2(2(3)-(-3))}}}
Now multiply 2 and 3 above, so we get:
{{{2(6-(-3))}}}
Remember: deducting a negative is the same as adding its positive so -(-3)=3
{{{2(6+3)}}}
Add numbers inside the parenthesis shown above, so we get:
{{{2*9}}}
Now multiply
{{{18}}} <--- this is our final result!  :)