Why Does Adding a Bracket Change My Equation Result?

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In summary, when simplifying the expression -3e + (e - 1), you should apply the sign in front of the parentheses to all the terms inside, which would result in -3e + e - 1. This can then be simplified to -2e - 1. The confusion may have arisen from incorrectly treating the expression as a multiplication problem instead of addition.
  • #1
Gringo123
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I'm studying expanding and simplifying brackets and I'm not sure how to tackle this type of problem:

-3e + (e - 1)

It's the + sign before the bracket that confuses me. My (wrong) answer was:
-3e squared + 3e
I guess that would have been right if that + wasn't there.
The answer is:
-3e - 1

How do I get to that?
 
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  • #2
No...that is not the answer...it should be -2e - 1.
To tackle the problem, just apply the sign to the terms inside the brackets.
So, -3e + (e-1) = -3e + e - 1
(+ * + = +, + * - = -)
 
  • #3
Got it! Thanks once again Fightfish!
 
  • #4
Gringo123 said:
I'm studying expanding and simplifying brackets and I'm not sure how to tackle this type of problem:

-3e + (e - 1)
In this expression the parentheses (brackets are [ ]) are completely unnecessary.
-3e + (e - 1) = -3e + e -1 = -2e - 1.

You are interpreting this problem incorrectly as a multiplication problem even though the operation is really addition. In other words, you are working this problem:
-3e(e -1) = -3e2 + 3e.


Gringo123 said:
It's the + sign before the bracket that confuses me. My (wrong) answer was:
-3e squared + 3e
I guess that would have been right if that + wasn't there.
The answer is:
-3e - 1

How do I get to that?
 

Related to Why Does Adding a Bracket Change My Equation Result?

What is the purpose of expanding and simplifying brackets?

Expanding and simplifying brackets is a mathematical technique used to simplify algebraic expressions by removing parentheses and combining like terms. This helps to make the expression more concise and easier to solve.

What are the steps for expanding and simplifying brackets?

The steps for expanding and simplifying brackets are:

  1. Distribute the outer term to each term inside the parentheses.
  2. Combine like terms.
  3. Simplify the expression by performing any necessary addition or subtraction.

Can expanding and simplifying brackets be applied to all types of equations?

No, expanding and simplifying brackets can only be applied to linear equations (equations with variables to the first power). It cannot be used for equations with variables to higher powers or for equations involving trigonometric functions.

How can expanding and simplifying brackets help in solving equations?

Expanding and simplifying brackets can help in solving equations by simplifying the expression and making it easier to work with. This can help to identify any patterns or common terms, which can lead to a quicker and more efficient solution.

Are there any shortcuts or tricks for expanding and simplifying brackets?

Yes, there are some shortcuts and tricks that can be used for expanding and simplifying brackets, such as the FOIL method for multiplying binomials or the distributive property for simplifying expressions with more than two terms. These techniques can help to save time and make the process easier.

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