Simplifying the Expression: (x + 1) - (x - 2) - (x + 3)
This expression involves multiple terms with parentheses, which we need to simplify to get a single expression.
Understanding the Process
- Distribute the Negative Signs: The minus signs before the second and third parentheses indicate we need to distribute them to the terms inside. This means multiplying each term inside the parentheses by -1.
- Combine Like Terms: After distributing the negative signs, we'll have terms with 'x' and constant terms. We can then combine these like terms.
Step-by-Step Solution
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Distribute the Negative Signs: (x + 1) - (x - 2) - (x + 3) = x + 1 - x + 2 - x - 3
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Combine Like Terms: x + 1 - x + 2 - x - 3 = (x - x - x) + (1 + 2 - 3)
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Simplify: (x - x - x) + (1 + 2 - 3) = -x
Final Answer
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x + 1) - (x - 2) - (x + 3) is -x.