Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (- 5/6 * x - 7/12) - (- 1/3 * x - 1/4)
In this article, we will explore how to simplify the algebraic expression (- 5/6 * x - 7/12) - (- 1/3 * x - 1/4)
. Simplifying algebraic expressions involves combining like terms and eliminating any parentheses or negative signs.
Step 1: Distribute the Negative Sign
To begin, we need to distribute the negative sign to the terms inside the parentheses:
- (- 1/3 * x - 1/4) = 1/3 * x + 1/4
So, the expression becomes:
(- 5/6 * x - 7/12) + (1/3 * x + 1/4)
Step 2: Combine Like Terms
Next, we need to combine like terms. In this case, we have two terms with x
and two constant terms.
- 5/6 * x + 1/3 * x = (- 5/6 + 1/3) * x
To add these fractions, we need a common denominator, which is 12. So, we can rewrite the fractions as:
- 10/12 * x + 4/12 * x = - 6/12 * x = - 1/2 * x
Now, let's combine the constant terms:
- 7/12 + 1/4 = - 7/12 + 3/12 = - 4/12 = - 1/3
Step 3: Write the Simplified Expression
So, the simplified expression is:
- 1/2 * x - 1/3
And that's it! We have successfully simplified the algebraic expression (- 5/6 * x - 7/12) - (- 1/3 * x - 1/4)
.