It might prove helpful to put the terms in descending order before doing the simplification:2. add this to the numerator part
3. which gives me
4. and put this over the denominator to get
Ha, of course! I believe that's why 'Doh!' was invented!It might prove helpful to put the terms in descending order before doing the simplification:
Yes. I couldn't even copy the answer down correctly!Note: If the negation sign is, as you have posted, in front of the entire expression, then the sign between the two terms in the numerator should be additive, not subtractive.
I can think of no particular reason, other than the author's preference. It might be wise to consult with your instructor regarding preferred preference with respect to formatting.so that leaves me with:My next question is how and (more importantly) WHY should it be changed to
Once the -1 has been distributed through the terms of the numerator, there remains to -1 to be distributed elsewhere.If I multiply by -1 won't this also change the signs of the denominator? This always confuses me!
It's many years since I left school, I am using some old books written in the 1890s (which I found on the internet, not those which I was using at the time!) to try and learn this stuff now. Which is why I am so glad the internet and forums such as this exist. If only they had forty years ago! Thanks for your help.I can think of no particular reason, other than the author's preference. It might be wise to consult with your instructor regarding preferred preference with respect to formatting.
