Question

Caroline wants to compare the expressions 15-9 and 9 (-15) to determine which result is greater. How can she do this without finding the value of each difference? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

15-9 will be greater

Explanation:

Caroline wants to compare the expressions 15-9 and 9 (-15)

For us to know the result that is greater, we will have to check if the first value is less than or greater than the other. For example

If for a-b

a-b is greater if a>b

a-b is lesser if a<b

Given 15 - 9

Since 15 > 9, this means that 15-9 will be greater compare to 9-15