Math. Numbers. 1, 2, 3, 4… Addition. Easy.
2+2=?
Well, it’s easy. John has two apples. James has two apples. Together, they have four apples.
2+2=4.
Subtraction. Slightly less easy.
4–2=?
Together, John and James had four apples but James lost his. Now, they have two.
4–2=2.
Addition and subtraction. The basics of math.
What about (-2)+(-2)? What does that equal?
Well, John lost two apples and James has also lost two apples. Together, they have lost four apples.
So, (-2)+(-2)=(-4). Easy.
Then they added letters. Letters in math? Why?
(2x)+(2x)=?
Think of it this way: John has two apples. James has two apples. Together, they have four apples. Therefore, x is the amount of apples the two boys have. So, the question is instead asking (2 apples)+(2 apples)=?, or, 2+2=? 2+2=4.
(2x)+(2x)=(4x)
Why bother add the letters? Why not just call the x’s apples? Why make everything so damn complicated? Well, I’m not really complaining. I like the complicated. When things are complicated, it gives me an excuse to talk to Clarissa.
She sits behind me in math. I used to hate math, and next year, I will again. But for now, it seems to be bearable.
Thomas Hickory
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The Chronicles of Thomas Hickory
Teen FictionThomas Hickory is an average high school student dealing with lack of sleep, hard classes, crushes, and the hardships of Driver's Ed. Join him as he journalizes his life for the world to see.
