Multiplying numbers in brackets?

Question

I have a question that is similar to:

a(b * c) - d(e + f)

When I multiply "d" * "e" should I consider the "d" a negative? If so the next step would be:

ab * ab ? (-de) + (-df)

What would be in the place of the question mark? A minus or plus?

Or is this totally wrong?

Answer 1

Step 1: Multiply B and C
Step 2: Add E and F
Step 3: Multiply A and Product of B and C
Step 4: Multiply D and Sum of E and F
Step 5: Subtract Step 4 result from Step 3 result

Answer 2

your answer would be ab*ac-de+df. You look at the problem as if you were mult. neg.d times pos e with gives you negative de so a minus would go before the de.

Answer 3

You're on the right track, it would be

a*b*c + -de + -df

or more simply

a*b*c - de - df

Hang in there, you'll get it!