SSAT Middle Level Math : How to subtract variables

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #101 : Variables

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Distribute the 4 to all terms in the parentheses.

Rewrite.

Combine like terms.

Rewrite in simplest form.

 is the correct answer.

Example Question #101 : Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When solving this problem we need to remember our order of operations, or PEMDAS. 

PEMDAS stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, and addition/subtraction. When you have a problem with several different operations, you need to solve the problem in this order and you work from left to right for multiplication/division and addition/subtraction.

Parentheses: We are not able to add a variable  to a number, so we move to the next step. 

Multiplication: We can distribute (or multiply) the 

Addition/Subtraction: Remember, we can't add a variable  to a number, so the  is left alone.

Example Question #42 : How To Subtract Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When solving this problem we need to remember our order of operations, or PEMDAS. 

PEMDAS stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, and addition/subtraction. When you have a problem with several different operations, you need to solve the problem in this order and you work from left to right for multiplication/division and addition/subtraction.

Parentheses: We are not able to add a variable  to a number, so we move on to the next step

Multiplication: We can distribute the negative sign to the  and 

Remember, a negative times a negative will equal a positive, so we have a 

Finally we can combine like terms

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