Question

Suppose y is a positive integer. If x – (–y) = z, will z be greater than or less than x? Explain your answer.

A. z is greater than x, since –(–y) is the same as subtracting y.
B. z is greater than x, since subtracting –y is the same as adding its additive inverse, y.
C. z is less than x, since subtracting –y is the same as subtracting its additive inverse, y.
D. z is less than x, since –(–y) is the same as adding –y.

Answer 1

When you subtract a negative number, it is the same as adding the positive number. So, subtracting –y is the same as adding y. Therefore, z will be greater than x.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you subtract a negative number, it is the same as adding the positive number. So, subtracting –y is the same as adding y. Therefore, z will be greater than x. Option B is correct.