WT heck does -(-(-(-2))) mean?

General
1

I came across the expression -(-(-(-2))), and it completely threw me off for a second.

  • What’s the correct way to solve it?
  • Is there an easy trick to handle multiple negative signs?
  • Any tips to avoid getting confused with expressions like this?

Would like to hear how you approach these kinds of problems!

2

Count the negative signs from the inside out:

  • -2 = -2
  • -(-2) = 2
  • -(2) = -2
  • -(-2) = 2

So, -(-(-(-2))) = 2.

A simple trick: every pair of negatives cancels out. Since there are 4 negative signs (an even number), the final answer is positive 2.

1 Like
3

The easiest way is to work from the inside out.

Start with -2:

  • -(-2) = 2

  • -(2) = -2

  • -(-2) = 2

So, -(-(-(-2))) = 2.

A simple trick is to count the negative signs. Every time you apply a minus outside the brackets, it flips the sign. An even number of flips gives you a positive result, and an odd number gives you a negative result. Working step by step also helps avoid mistakes.