Evaluate 5 - 3k when k = -2

Step by step

The question

Question: find the value of 5 − 3k when k = −2.

1 Put the numbers in

We put −2 in place of k.

3k means 3 times k.

So we write a times sign.

A negative number goes in brackets, so its minus stays with it.

2 Times and divide

Times comes before minus.

Plus times minus is minus.

3 times 2 is 6.

So we get −6.

3 Plus and minus

Taking away a negative is the same as adding.

So 5 − (−6) becomes 5 + 6.

5 plus 6 is 11.

Careful!

Many people go from left to right and get −4.

But times and divide come before plus and minus.

So 5 − 3k is 11 when k = −2.

Let's look back.

First: put the numbers in.

Then: times and divide.

Last: plus and minus.