Understanding the Double Negative Rule in Math | How Two Negatives Cancel Each Other Out

Double Negative

In mathematics, the term “double negative” often refers to the elimination of two negative signs in an algebraic expression or equation, resulting in a positive value

In mathematics, the term “double negative” often refers to the elimination of two negative signs in an algebraic expression or equation, resulting in a positive value. It follows the principle that two negatives cancel each other out.

To understand this concept, let’s consider an example:

Suppose we have the expression -(-5). Here, we have a negative sign immediately preceding the number 5, which is then being negated again by the outer negative sign. To simplify this expression, we apply the double negative rule.

Applying the double negative rule, we can rewrite -(-5) as +5. Essentially, the two negative signs cancel each other out, leaving us with a positive value.

This concept can also be applied to equations. For example, if we have the equation -(-3x) = 7, we can simplify it by removing the double negative. By applying the double negative rule, we can rewrite it as 3x = 7.

It’s important to note that the double negative rule only applies when there are exactly two negative signs in an expression or equation, with one immediately preceding the other. If there are more than two negatives or if the negative signs are not adjacent, then the double negative rule does not apply.

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