-x = 2

[frenchyff]

-x = 2
I know that x = -2 I just want to know why i am able to Divide both sides by -1.
is -x the same as (-1 times x) or is there a case where this is not true.

 

[srmichael]

-x = 2
I know that x = -2 I just want to know why i am able to Divide both sides by -1.
is -x the same as (-1 times x) or is there a case where this is not true.

Yes, -x is the same as -1* x or you can also write it as (-1)x

 

[JeffM]

-x = 2
I know that x = -2 I just want to know why i am able to Divide both sides by -1.
is -x the same as (-1 times x) or is there a case where this is not true.

Or you can use multiplication

$\displaystyle -x = 2 \implies (- 1 ) * (- x) = (-1) * 2 \implies x = - 2.$

In general. $\displaystyle - ax = u \implies (-1) * (-ax) = (-1) * u \implies ax = -u.$

 

[frenchyff]

Thanks guys this helped me alot. I am just beginning so thanks for being kind