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Basic Math/The effect of paretheses on math functions

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Expert: Josh - 3/7/2010


Question
Do paretheses around a negative number change the function of these equations?

56 divided by (-8)
-48 divided by (-6)
-6 x (24 divided by (-8))

Thank you

Answer
Jmays,

The answers are no, no and no.

56/(-8) = 56/-8 = -7
The minus sign is associated with the number in the denominator, rather than viewed as a subtraction operator.

For -48/(-6) = 48/6 = 8, it is similar.

With brackets, -6x(24/-8) = -6x-3 = 18.
Without the brackets, -6x24/-8 = -144/-8 = 18.

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Josh

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When I work through problems, I like to emphasize concepts which I believe are worth noting. I will try to answer questions in the following areas, but not at the advanced level. Algebra. Sequences & Series. Trigonometry. Functions & Graphs. Coordinate Geometry. Quadratic Polynomials. Exponential & Logarithms. Basic Calculus. Probability, Permutation and Combination. Mathematical Induction. Complex numbers. Physics problems.

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I have worked as a teaching assistant in college. My hope is that more people will share knowledge without boundary, give help without seeking recognition or monetary rewards.

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Bachelor degree in Engineering Science

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