To simplify the expression \((-13x-15) - (-9x+16)\), follow these steps:
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Distribute the negative sign in front of the second parenthesis: \[ -(-9x + 16) = 9x - 16 \]
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Rewrite the expression: \[ (-13x - 15) + (9x - 16) \]
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Combine like terms. First, combine the \(x\) terms: \[ -13x + 9x = -4x \]
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Now combine the constant terms: \[ -15 - 16 = -31 \]
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Putting it all together, we have: \[ -4x - 31 \]
Thus, the expression equivalent to \((-13x-15)-(-9x+16)\) is \(-4x - 31\).