Question

Write another subtraction problem involving two negative numbers that results in a positive difference. What is the solution to your new subtraction problem?

a) -6 - (-3) = -3
b) -2 - (-5) = 3
c) -7 - (-7) = 0
d) -4 - (-9) = 5

Answer 1

Subtracting two negative numbers, such as -8 and -4, will result in a positive difference when the negative number being subtracted is less negative (has a smaller absolute value) than the first number. The result for -8 - (-4) is -4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Subtraction with Negative Numbers:

Subtracting two negative numbers can result in a positive difference. Here's a new subtraction problem to illustrate this concept: -8 - (-4) = -8 + 4 = -4. When we subtract a negative number, it is like adding its positive counterpart. Hence, when we change the sign after the subtraction symbol from negative to positive, we follow the rules of addition where two numbers with opposite signs result in the number with the sign of the larger absolute value.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the calculation:

1. Identify the two negative numbers: -8 and -4.
2. Change the subtraction of the negative number to addition: -8 - (-4) becomes -8 + 4.
3. Add the numbers considering their signs: -8 (which is negative) and 4 (which is now positive).
4. The result will be the difference in absolute value with the sign of the larger number, which is -4.