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Select all the options that are equivalent to (−5)−(−12).

A. -7
B. 7
C. The difference between -5 and -12
D. The difference between -12 and -5
E. (−5)+12 F. (−5)+(−12)

User AeyJey
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1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The expressions equivalent to (−5)−(−12) are (−5)+12 and 7. Therefore, the correct options are B and E, with C being contextually correct depending on interpretation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to select all the options that are equivalent to (−5)−(−12). To find the equivalent expressions, we need to understand how subtraction and addition of negative numbers work. When subtracting a negative from a negative, it is equivalent to addition. Therefore, (−5)−(−12) is the same as (−5)+12.

  • A. -7: This is incorrect because (−5)+12 equals 7, not -7.
  • B. 7: This is correct. (−5)+12 results in 7.
  • C. The difference between -5 and -12: This is correct in context because the expression (−5)−(−12) represents the difference; however, typically the "difference" implies subtracting the second number from the first, which could lead to confusion.
  • D. The difference between -12 and -5: This is incorrect. This phrasing suggests -12 - (−5), which would result in -7, not 7.
  • E. (−5)+12: This is correct since it is another way to express (−5)−(−12).
  • F. (−5)+(−12): This is incorrect. This adds two negative numbers, resulting in -17, not 7.

Therefore, the correct answers are options B and E, and possibly C depending on interpretation.

User Jakub Turcovsky
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