Solving the Expression: (1/6 - (-1/9)) * (-2)
This article will guide you through solving the expression (1/6 - (-1/9)) * (-2) step-by-step.
Understanding Order of Operations
Before we begin, remember the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS or BODMAS:
- Parentheses (or Brackets)
- Exponents (or Orders)
- Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Solving the Expression
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Simplify the parentheses:
- Start by simplifying the expression inside the parentheses: (1/6 - (-1/9)).
- Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. So, (1/6 - (-1/9)) becomes (1/6 + 1/9).
- To add fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common denominator for 6 and 9 is 18.
- (1/6 + 1/9) = (3/18 + 2/18) = 5/18
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Multiply by -2:
- Now we have (5/18) * (-2).
- Multiplying a fraction by a whole number is the same as multiplying the numerator by that number.
- (5/18) * (-2) = -10/18
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Simplify the result:
- Finally, simplify the fraction -10/18. Both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 2.
- -10/18 = -5/9
Conclusion
Therefore, the solution to the expression (1/6 - (-1/9)) * (-2) is -5/9.