Question

Subtract: −4−(−9)
A) -13
B) 5
C) 9
D) -5

Answer 1

Answer: 5

Work Shown

-4 - (-9)

-4 + 9

5

If you are a visual learner, then draw a vertical number line. Mark -4 on it. The -(-9) portion, aka +9, means we'll move up 9 units from that start point. So start at -4 and move up 9 to arrive at 5

In real world context, imagine you are at basement level 4. Move up 9 floors to arrive at the 5th floor of the building.

Notice how -4 + 9 is the same as 9 + (-4) and also the same as 9 - 4.

Answer 2

B) 5

Explanation:

Subtracting a negative number is like adding it, so it can also be written as:

-4 + 9

And that equals 5