Question

Simplify each of the following algebraic expressions by removing grouping symbols.
5a − {3a − (2 − a) + 4}

Answer 1

We have
5a − {3a − (2 − a) + 4}
First, we have to remove the small brackets (or parentheses): ( ). Then, we have to remove the curly brackets (or braces): { }.
Therefore,
= 5a − {3a − 2 + a + 4}
= 5a − 3a + 2 - a - 4
= 5a - 4a - 2
= a - 2