Variables & Patterns: counterexample for (a-3)+b = a-(3+b)

[griffyboy]

Having trouble with this equation; Give a counterexample to show that the pattern, (a-3)+b=a-(3+b), does not hold for all real numbers a and b. Every number I try ends up being equal. What am I doing wrong?

 

[mmm4444bot]

... What am I doing wrong?

Hello Boy:

Will you please explain to me how you expect other people to know what it is that you are doing wrong when you have not shown anybody at all what it is that you are doing?

Also, why did you post this question in the administrative area of this web site? *

You force me to GUESS at possible answers to your question.

1) You always pick the number zero for b

2) You make arithmetic mistakes

3) * You don't pay attention

4) You never really tried

5) You don't understand the exercise

Do any of these sound right, to you?

If you know how, then subtract a from both sides of this equation, and add 3 to both sides of this equation.

Please, read the post titled "Read Before Posting".

Cheers,

~ Mark