Final answer:
The expression '2 - 3' in mathematics is an example of subtraction, resulting in -1. Subtracting a positive number involves changing its sign and adding, while subtracting a negative number is like adding a positive number. These subtraction rules are fundamental to arithmetic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about the expression 2 - 3, which is a basic arithmetic operation in mathematics, specifically subtraction. The rules of subtraction state that when you subtract a positive number from another, the sign of the subtracted number is changed to negative before performing the addition. Hence, 2 - 3 becomes 2 + (-3), which equals -1. Similarly, if you subtract a negative number from a positive number, such as 2 - (-6), it becomes 2 + 6, which equals 8. This is because subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.
Key Subtraction Rules:
- Subtracting a positive number: Change the sign and add. For instance, 5 - 3 becomes 5 + (-3), resulting in 2.
- Subtracting a negative number: Change the sign to positive and add. For example, 2 - (-6) turns into 2 + 6, resulting in 8.
Understanding these rules will help with more complex mathematical operations and build a strong foundation in arithmetic.