explain the difference between the expressions x-3 and 3-x
1 & 2
To understand the difference between the expressions x-3 and 3-x, let's break them down:
Expression 1: x - 3
In this expression, we start with the variable x and subtract 3 from it. This means that whatever value x holds, we subtract 3 from it. For example, if x = 7, the expression evaluates to 7 - 3 = 4. So, x - 3 represents taking the value of x and subtracting 3 from it.
Expression 2: 3 - x
In this expression, we start with the value 3 and subtract x from it. This means that whatever value x holds, we subtract it from 3. Using the same example, if x = 7, the expression evaluates to 3 - 7 = -4. So, 3 - x represents taking the value 3 and subtracting x from it.
In summary, the difference between x - 3 and 3 - x lies in the order of the subtraction. x - 3 subtracts 3 from x, while 3 - x subtracts x from 3. This changing order can lead to different results depending on the value of x.
Let's suppose that x = 2
2 - 3 = -1
3 - 2 = +1