Question

Which of the following expressions would result in a total of 0 when added to
–5–7+3? Select all that apply.

2-(-7)
-2-7
7-(-2)
-7-(-2)

Answer 1

To find which expressions will result in a total of 0 when added to \(-5 - 7 + 3\), we first need to simplify \(-5 - 7 + 3\):

\[
-5 - 7 = -12
\]
\[
-12 + 3 = -9
\]

Now we have \(-9\) and we want to find expressions that, when added to \(-9\), will equal 0. This means we need to find expressions that equal \(9\) because:

\[
-9 + x = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 9
\]

Now let's evaluate each expression:

1. **\(2 - (-7)\)**:
\[
2 - (-7) = 2 + 7 = 9
\]

2. **\(-2 - 7\)**:
\[
-2 - 7 = -9
\]

3. **\(7 - (-2)\)**:
\[
7 - (-2) = 7 + 2 = 9
\]

4. **\(-7 - (-2)\)**:
\[
-7 - (-2) = -7 + 2 = -5
\]

Now we summarize the results:

- **\(2 - (-7) = 9\)** (this works)
- **\(-2 - 7 = -9\)** (does not work)
- **\(7 - (-2) = 9\)** (this works)
- **\(-7 - (-2) = -5\)** (does not work)

Thus, the expressions that would result in a total of 0 when added to \(-5 - 7 + 3\) are:

**1. \(2 - (-7)\)**
**3. \(7 - (-2)\)**