Simplifying the Expression: -5 + 2(8 - 12)
Simplifying algebraic expressions is a fundamental skill in high school mathematics. In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process of simplifying the expression -5 + 2(8 - 12).
Step 1: Evaluate the expression inside the parentheses
The first step is to evaluate the expression inside the parentheses: 8 - 12.
8 - 12 = -4
Step 2: Multiply the result by the coefficient
The expression inside the parentheses is now -4. We need to multiply this by the coefficient, which is 2.
2(-4) = -8
Step 3: Add the result to the constant term
The constant term in the original expression is -5. We need to add this to the result from the previous step.
-5 + (-8) = -13
Therefore, the simplified expression is -13.
The step-by-step process can be summarized as follows:
- Evaluate the expression inside the parentheses:
8 - 12 = -4 - Multiply the result by the coefficient:
2(-4) = -8 - Add the result to the constant term:
-5 + (-8) = -13
The final simplified expression is -13.
By understanding the order of operations (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) and applying basic mathematical operations, you can simplify even more complex algebraic expressions.