What is 3x-2 if x=-1/3

Givens

x = - 1/3

y = 3x - 2

Problem solve for y

y = 3 (-1/3) - 2

but 3 * (1/3) = 1

and 3 * ( - 1/3) = - 1

So y = - 1 - 2

y = - 3

Think of this as a money question. If you are one dollar in the whole and you spend 2 more, you are not 3 in the whole which is minus 3.