Question related to absolute value

I know that we should assume that a negative sign outside an absolute value symbol is a negative 1 then we would multiply after solving the absolute value. However, when there is a number to the left side of the sign outside the absolute value symbol do we assume that's a negative 1 or do we assume that its a minus sign operator?

Example:

-[3]=-1*3=-3

In this case we multiply because there's a negative one. Doin these instead is wrong: -[3]=-1+3=2. BTW, I know it's wrong but I don't know why. It would be great to know why. Don't know if it involves some math philosophy.

And my other example was:

10-[1-4]=

10-[-3]=

10-3=7

Or should it be done like this:

10-[1-4]=

10-1*[1-4]=

10-1*[-3]=

10-1*3=

10-3=7

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