(-2a-4)-(4-2a)

Jasonbradley

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Jun 16, 2024

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Simplifying the Expression (-2a - 4) - (4 - 2a)

This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (-2a - 4) - (4 - 2a).

Understanding the Expression

The expression involves:

• Variables: 'a' represents an unknown value.
• Constants: -4 and 4 are constant numbers.
• Parentheses: They indicate grouping and order of operations.
• Subtraction: The main operation is subtraction.

Simplifying the Expression

1. Distribute the negative sign: Remember that subtracting a quantity is the same as adding its negative. So, we rewrite the expression as: (-2a - 4) + (-1)(4 - 2a)

2. Multiply: Apply the distributive property to the second part: -2a - 4 - 4 + 2a

3. Combine like terms: Combine the 'a' terms and the constant terms: (-2a + 2a) + (-4 - 4)

4. Simplify: 0 + (-8)

5. Final Result: -8

Conclusion

Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (-2a - 4) - (4 - 2a) is -8. Notice that the variable 'a' cancels out, leaving us with a constant value.