I am trying to simplify the following equation:

[3(x + 2) + 2x] - [4(y + 2) - 3(y - 2)]

This is how I'm processing it:

[3x + 6 + 2x] - [4y + 8 - 3y + 6]
[5x + 6] - [14 + y]
5x + 6 - 14 + y = 5x + y -8

However, the text gives the answer as:

5x - y - 8

So what am I doing wrong? Thanks.

__________________
Excelsior, BS Finance, pursuing degree

Studying:

Completed:
CLEP: Hum. (67), Hist. of U.S. I (74), Hist. of U.S. II (71), Intro. Psych. (69), Intro. Soc. (72), Soc. Sci. and Hist. (74), Western Civ I (72), Western Civ II (70), Am. Lit. (60), Intro. to Educ. Psych. (62), P. of Management (74), P. of Market. (74), Intro. Bus. Law (67), P. of Accounting (60), AmGov (68)
DSST: Ethics in Am. (76), P. of Super.(67), HRM (65), Intro to Bus. (70), MIS (65), P. of Fin (62), M&B (65), P. of Stat. (68)
ECE: OB (B)
TECEP:: IntFin, SecAna

Total Credits: 114

- [14 + y]

You have to apply the (-) to both items inside of the brackets, so - [14 + y] simplifies to -14 - y

__________________
--
Steve, Webmaster

K, thanks. Didn't realize you had to multiply by the sign, just as you would if it was say -5, or 2.

__________________
Excelsior, BS Finance, pursuing degree

Studying:

Completed:
CLEP: Hum. (67), Hist. of U.S. I (74), Hist. of U.S. II (71), Intro. Psych. (69), Intro. Soc. (72), Soc. Sci. and Hist. (74), Western Civ I (72), Western Civ II (70), Am. Lit. (60), Intro. to Educ. Psych. (62), P. of Management (74), P. of Market. (74), Intro. Bus. Law (67), P. of Accounting (60), AmGov (68)
DSST: Ethics in Am. (76), P. of Super.(67), HRM (65), Intro to Bus. (70), MIS (65), P. of Fin (62), M&B (65), P. of Stat. (68)
ECE: OB (B)
TECEP:: IntFin, SecAna

Total Credits: 114

If you have not used ALEKS yet, you should give it a try. I have been using it for about two weeks now and I must say I am impressed with How fast it has refreshed my memory on things. I think it would help someone with learning as well. Their method is; test, review, practice, practice practice, test, review, etc... I do not see any way you could NOT learn with this service. My $.02, everyone practicing for mathematics CLEPs below the calculus level should try this service.

__________________
Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
~Aesop


Pursuing B.S. Nuclear Technologies, Excelsior College

Tests Remaining: 0 (0SH)

Tests Taken: 11 (36SH)

CLEP
U.S. Hist I(57), U.S. Hist II(58), Intro Soc(67), A&I Lit(78), American Gov.(61)
DSST
Intro to IS(73), MIS(65), Ethics In America(68), Intro World Rel.(71), General Anthropology(65), Astronomy(69)
Chopping Block
None and DONE!