Step by step
The question
Question: simplify 5 − (2x − 3).
Simplify means: write it shorter, with the same value.
5 − (2x − 3)
1 Open the brackets
A minus in front of a bracket changes the sign of every part inside.
−( + ) → −, −( − ) → +
Now we have 5 − 2x + 3.
= 5 − 2x + 3
2 Group like terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Like terms are the same kind: same letters, same powers.
Plain numbers go together.
Each colour is one kind.
like terms = same letters,
same powers
We move like terms next to each other.
Each term takes its sign with it.
= −2x + 5 + 3
5 + 3 is 8.
5 + 3 = 8
So the expression is −2x + 8.
= −2x + 8
3 Check
Let's check.
We pick a number for each letter: x = 2.
We put it into the start.
Start: 5 − (2 × 2 − 3) = 5 − 1 = 4
Now into our answer.
Answer: −2 × 2 + 8 = −4 + 8 = 4
Both give 4.
Same value, so −2x + 8 is right!
Both give 4
Let's look back.
First: open the brackets.
Then: group like terms.
Last: check.
Answer
= −2x + 8