math10 (wings) Problem set #3

question #1

the value of 3-(-3)/2-1 is?

In order to solve this question, you first have to understand how positives and negatives cancel each other out. For example, a positive number subtracted a negative number is going to result in a positive sum (2--2= 4). However, most people typically use parenthesis when dealing with the cancellation of positives and negatives. Why? Simple, it's easier to understand an equation like that using parenthesis to avoid miss communication between the minus sign and negative numbers. For example, it's easier to understand 2-(-2)=4 than 2--2=4.
 Now back to our original equation of 3-(-3). We now know how to solve for the numerator because i mentioned previously that a positive number subtracted a negative number is going to result in a positive sum. So 3-(-3) is 6. The denominator on the other hand is 2-1. 2-1 is 1, so the equation is transformed to 6/1. 6/1 is 6 because the numerator is greater then the denominator forcing it to be a whole number (600/100=6/1)

3-(-3)/2-1=
6/2-1=
6/1=
= 6
3) Why do you like this question?

I enjoy this question because its a simple everyday equation that a lot of people still get wrong from time to time. This makes my perception more observant in order to make the correct answer in hopes i don't make that error of misunderstanding it.

4) (Most importantly) What have you learned about the process of problem solving?

What i discovered from this question is that you shouldn't view a certain question to be too easy. Especially since people (including me) might develop a tendency to overshoot and get the question wrong.