(3-7k)-2

3 min read Jun 16, 2024

The Curious Case of (3-7k)-2: A Mathematical Mystery

The expression "(3-7k)-2" might look intimidating at first glance, but it's actually a simple algebraic expression that can be simplified and evaluated with a few basic steps.

Understanding the Expression

Variables: The expression contains a single variable, "k". This means the value of the expression will change depending on the value of "k".
Operations: The expression involves subtraction and parentheses. Parentheses indicate that the operations inside them should be performed before anything else.

Simplifying the Expression

Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign before the parentheses means we multiply each term inside by -1:
```
(3 - 7k) - 2  = 3 - 7k - 2
```
Combine like terms: We can combine the constant terms (3 and -2):
```
3 - 7k - 2 = 1 - 7k
```

Evaluating the Expression

To get a numerical value for the expression, we need to substitute a value for "k".

Example:

Let's say k = 2.

Substitute:
```
1 - 7k = 1 - 7(2)
```
Simplify:
```
1 - 7(2) = 1 - 14 = -13
```

Therefore, when k = 2, the expression (3-7k)-2 equals -13.

Applications

Expressions like (3-7k)-2 can be used in a variety of applications, including:

Solving equations: We can use this expression to represent one side of an equation and solve for the value of "k".
Modeling real-world scenarios: We can use expressions like this to model quantities that depend on a variable, such as the profit from selling "k" items.
Understanding functions: The expression can be used to define a function, where "k" is the input and the value of the expression is the output.

Conclusion

While seemingly complex at first, the expression (3-7k)-2 is just a simple algebraic expression that can be simplified and evaluated using basic mathematical principles. Its applications are diverse, spanning areas like solving equations, modeling real-world scenarios, and understanding functions. By understanding the fundamentals of algebra, we can confidently tackle similar expressions and use them to solve a variety of problems.